UK Parliamentary System Overview

The lower house of the UK Parliament, directly elected by the people through the 'First-Past-the-Post' system.

The upper house of the UK Parliament, with members appointed, not elected.

The leader of the majority party in the House of Commons, chosen by the monarch to be the head of government.

The process by which a government can be removed from power by a vote in the House of Commons.

The ability of the House of Lords to delay the approval of legislation passed by the House of Commons.

The part of government responsible for creating laws and major policies.

The part of government responsible for implementing laws using the government's bureaucracy.

The part of government responsible for hearing cases and applying/interpreting laws to settle disputes.

The executive leader representing a nation in ceremonial functions. In some governments, this role also includes shaping foreign policy.

The executive leader, often called a chief executive, who formulates, implements, and enforces policies through the cabinet and various agencies.

Systems where the national legislature combines lawmaking and executive functions and has the power to select and remove the prime minister (head of government).

In these systems, separate election processes are used to elect the president and the national legislature. The president serves as both head of state and head of government, overseeing the implementation of executive regulations and laws.

Similar to presidential systems, these involve separate elections for the president and the legislature. However, the president selects the head of government (with legislative approval) to shape policies and implement laws.

The ability of courts to make decisions without undue influence from the government or other powerful entities.

A system where courts act as a check and balance on the executive and legislative branches, protecting individual rights and ensuring laws are followed.

China's judicial system lacks true independence, with courts often used to punish those who criticize the government.

Iran's Constitution claims judicial independence, but in practice, courts are used against political opponents, resulting in limited real independence.

Mexico has improved judicial independence through constitutional changes, but organized crime's influence continues to be a challenge.

Nigeria's efforts to improve judicial independence include reducing corruption and granting judges more power. The 2023 Supreme Court decision rejecting President Buhari's attempt to nullify a law shows progress.

Russia's judicial system is not considered independent, with the executive branch exercising significant control and targets political opponents.

The degree of judicial independence can be measured by factors like the courts' ability to overturn government decisions, the process for selecting judges, and procedures for removing judges.

The actual center of power in China, holding significant influence over legislative processes.

In China, this committee oversees legislative duties, sets the agenda, supervises elections, and interprets the constitution.

The Iranian advisory committee selected by the supreme leader to resolve disputes between the parliament and the Guardian Council.

This Iranian body vets candidates for legislative and presidential positions, ensuring laws align with Islamic principles.

The Russian upper house of parliament. Its members are appointed by the president, making it a non-independent body.

The lower house of the Russian parliament, dominated by the United Russia party, often supporting presidential proposals.

The Mexican election body, subject to attempts to reduce its independence and effectiveness, demonstrating strong executive power.

The tendency for legislatures to act on behalf of the president's party, even if it conflicts with their own interests.

Direct orders issued by a president with the force of law, bypassing legislative approval, common in presidential systems.

Actions legislatures can take to bolster their legitimacy and influence: responding to constituents, debating, facilitating compromise, defending civil liberties, and challenging executive power.

Judges are appointed by the supreme leader, and the judiciary's primary goal is to ensure the legal system aligns with Islamic Sharia law.

Less serious crimes are tried in civil courts, while revolutionary courts handle more serious crimes, including those related to national security.

The Mexican judiciary is undergoing changes to become more independent, with the supreme court gaining more power of judicial review and constitutional amendments to increase independence.

The president nominates Supreme Court magistrates, but their 15-year terms are subject to Senate approval.

The Nigerian judiciary has the power of judicial review, and efforts are underway to restore its legitimacy and independence.

Supreme court judges are recommended by a judicial council and appointed by the president with Senate confirmation.

The Russian government uses the judicial system to target opposition groups. While constitutionally, courts have the power of judicial review, judicial independence is under threat.

Judges are appointed by the president and approved by the Federation Council, but the executive branch exerts significant control over the judiciary.

The UK's judiciary uses the common law system, an independent judiciary enforces the rule of law, and top judges are recommended by an independent judicial selection committee and nominated by the prime minister.

A legislative body with one chamber.

A legislative body with two chambers, often called the upper and lower house.

A system of government where the legislative branch has the power to pass laws, and the president is the head of state.

A system where the legislature can hold the executive accountable for policy implementation.

A legislative body where members are elected by the people.

A legislative body where members are elected by an intermediary body.

A method of allocating seats in the legislature based on the percentage of votes each party receives.

A system where legislative seats are allocated based on the winner of each district.

A system where legislative seats are allocated based on the overall winner of the election, with the most votes securing seats.