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Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of assemblies in a political system?
What is the primary role of assemblies in a political system?
Which branch of power is responsible for executing laws?
Which branch of power is responsible for executing laws?
What does the term 'assembly' refer to in the context of political systems?
What does the term 'assembly' refer to in the context of political systems?
What aspect of government does the legislative assembly significantly influence?
What aspect of government does the legislative assembly significantly influence?
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In which type of government is the legislative assembly typically seen as an important index of democracy?
In which type of government is the legislative assembly typically seen as an important index of democracy?
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What is one of the common misconceptions about the legislative authority of assemblies?
What is one of the common misconceptions about the legislative authority of assemblies?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a principal function of assemblies?
Which of the following is NOT considered a principal function of assemblies?
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Which of the following best describes 'legitimacy' in the context of assemblies?
Which of the following best describes 'legitimacy' in the context of assemblies?
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What is the principal role of assemblies in the context of scrutiny and oversight?
What is the principal role of assemblies in the context of scrutiny and oversight?
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Which type of representation emphasizes the act of 'standing for' constituents?
Which type of representation emphasizes the act of 'standing for' constituents?
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What is a significant limitation that assemblies face in their oversight role?
What is a significant limitation that assemblies face in their oversight role?
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In which political systems is the recruitment function of assemblies generally less significant?
In which political systems is the recruitment function of assemblies generally less significant?
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What is the purpose of assemblies in promoting legitimacy for a regime?
What is the purpose of assemblies in promoting legitimacy for a regime?
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Which of the following best defines 'unicameralism' in the context of legislative structures?
Which of the following best defines 'unicameralism' in the context of legislative structures?
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What has been argued about assemblies regarding their socialization of politicians?
What has been argued about assemblies regarding their socialization of politicians?
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Which aspect of representation did Saward highlight regarding representatives?
Which aspect of representation did Saward highlight regarding representatives?
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Study Notes
Legislatures: Comparative Politics Week 5
- Three branches of power exist: executive, legislature, and judiciary.
- Executives implement laws, while legislatures enact them.
- Judiciaries interpret laws and adjudicate on their meaning.
- "Assembly" can refer to houses or chambers, and is interchangeable with "legislature" or "parliament".
- A key feature of any political system is the relationship between legislative and executive authority.
Parliamentary System of Government
- Many liberal democracies employ a parliamentary system.
- In this system, an executive branch is accountable to an assembly, which is elected by the electorate.
Functions of Assemblies
- Key functions include: legislation, representation, scrutiny and oversight, political recruitment, and legitimacy.
- Assemblies are often vested with legislative power, though rarely monopolize it completely.
- Assemblies act as representatives of the people, though the practical implementation of this role can be unclear.
Representation (Pitkin)
- Representation can be examined through different lenses: formalistic, descriptive, symbolic, and substantive.
- Saward (2006) highlights the creative aspect of representation, emphasizing how representatives make claims about themselves and their constituents.
Scrutiny and Oversight
- Modern assemblies increasingly act as scrutinizing bodies, aiming to hold the executive accountable.
- Effective oversight depends on well-resourced representatives with access to research and expert advice.
Recruitment and Training
- Assemblies often serve as recruitment channels for future leaders.
- This role is less apparent in authoritarian or presidential systems.
- Some argue that assemblies can "corrupt" politicians by influencing them away from constituent needs.
Legitimacy
- A fundamental role for assemblies is to bolster a regime's legitimacy by promoting the idea that the system is rightful.
- This is applicable even in authoritarian and totalitarian states.
Structure of Assemblies
- Unicameralism involves a single legislative chamber (e.g., Israel).
- Bicameralism features two legislative chambers, typically with co-equal powers (e.g., UK).
Assemblies in Decline
- The 20th century witnessed a decline in the power and status of assemblies due to:
- Rise of disciplined political parties
- Growth of large-scale government
- Internal organizational weaknesses
- Rise of interest groups and media power
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Description
Explore the intricacies of legislative systems in this quiz focused on Comparative Politics. Understand the functions of legislatures, their relationship with the executive branch, and the significance of assemblies in democratic governance. Test your knowledge on parliamentary systems and the roles they play in modern politics.
