AP Comparative Government Review Sheet PDF

AP Comparative Government End of Semester Assessment (S1) Review Sheet I. Format: This test consists of: ○ Short-Answer Questions (3 @ 8 pts each) Comparative question between the UK and Russia Duration: 90 minutes...

AP Comparative Government End of Semester Assessment (S1) Review Sheet I. Format: This test consists of: ○ Short-Answer Questions (3 @ 8 pts each) Comparative question between the UK and Russia Duration: 90 minutes II. Content Choose a color and fill in your section of the chart.  A. UK/Russia Comparative The UK Russia Extent of legitimacy From Ms. B: Russia is considered a legitimate state due to Sources of international recognition (recognized as a sovereign legitimacy The UK is considered a legitimate state for several state), and historical legitimacy (Russian government reasons: 1) Long-standing tradition of a stable sees itself as the successor to the Soviet Union). constitutional monarchy, 2) Though the Constitution is However, it becomes more complex when it comes to unwritten, it has a set of legal codes that are enduring and political and moral legitimacy. Putin’s government followed. 3) The parliamentary system has significant controls key institutions but its election and political checks and balances that makes sure that the Prime freedoms are often criticized, and the Russian Minister is bidding the House of Commons’ intentions. 4) government lacks moral legitimacy as it faces Though largely symbolic, the monarchy does act as a extensive criticism for human rights record and stabilizing and source of legitimacy for the UK’s aggressive foreign policies (although the government citizens. justified its actions as protecting national interests). From ChatGPT: In short, Russia is seen as a legitimate state legally, politically (somewhat) and historically, but its moral Additional sources include: having free and fair elections legitimacy is heavily debated. as well as an apolitical civil service Its granting of powers to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland reflects the UK's commitment to democratic governance and regional representation, which enhances legitimacy. (devolution) Lastly, the UK’s adherence to international norms, treaties, and organizations like the United Nations, NATO, and the Commonwealth reinforces its legitimacy on a global scale. Strong or weak The UK is a strong state due to its global influence, robust Russia is considered a strong state due to its large state and why economy, military power, and membership in organizations size, nuclear capabilities, military power, and global - Mia (from like the UN, NATO, and the G7. It also has a stable influence. It is a permanent member of the UN 7th pd) democracy. However, its strength has somewhat been Security Council with veto power. Still, its strength is affected by Brexit, which reduced its EU influence and undermined by economic challenges, political borough challenges like political divisions and economic repression, international sanctions, and internal inequality. Still its historical legacy, diplomatic networks, instability. and military capabilities contribute to its strength. Unitary or federal: - United Kingdom- System: Unitary - Russia- System: Federal Explain. Antonia - The UK is a unitary state, meaning that - Russia is a federal state, with power If federal, extent of sovereignty is concentrated in the constitutionally divided between devolution central government. the central government and its 89 - Power can be devolved to regional federal subjects governments (e.g., Scotland, Wales, - Extent of Devolution: Northern Ireland), but this is not - Federal subjects have varying levels constitutionally guaranteed and can be of autonomy; republics (e.g., revoked by the UK Parliament. Chechnya, Tatarstan) have their own - Extent of Devolution: constitutions and official languages. - Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland - The central government, under the have their own legislatures with varying presidency, exerts significant degrees of power control, often undermining true - England does not have a separate federalism. legislature; its affairs are managed by UK - Regional governors and local Parliament. leaders are heavily influenced or directly appointed by the central government, limiting their autonomy. Democratic or United Kingdom: Democratic Russia: Authoritarian authoritarian. - Elections: Free, fair, and regular elections; - Elections: Controlled elections with limited Evidence? Antonia accountable leaders. opposition; accusations of fraud. - Rule of Law: Independent judiciary; strong legal - Rule of Law: Courts often align with the protections for rights. government; selective law enforcement. - Media Freedom: Free press; criticism of - Media Freedom: State-controlled media; government allowed. suppression of dissenting voices. - Civil Liberties: Freedom of speech, assembly, and - Civil Liberties: Crackdowns on protests, political opposition. NGOs, and political opponents. Does the state Charlie: The United Kingdom has an unwritten constitution have a written or that was built on the idea of precedent setting the social Russia (Written Constitution) unwritten norms. While there are written rules and laws somewhat Codified Document: Adopted in 1993, serves as the Constitution? codified in places like the Magna Carta supreme law. Describe the The Magna Carta (1215): Establishing principles like the Supremacy of Constitution: All other laws must constitution of this rule of law. conform to it (Article 15). state. Charlie The Bill of Rights (1689): Limiting the powers of the State Structure: Federal system with 89 entities; monarchy and establishing parliamentary sovereignty. strong presidential powers. Along with Judicial Review Separation of Powers: Divides authority among But over all the United Kingdom is defined as an executive, legislative, and judicial branches. “Uncodified” Constitution. Guaranteed Rights: Explicit protections for speech, property, education, and healthcare. Amendment Process: Formal and rigid, requiring significant legal and political steps. Central Role in Governance: Framework for government actions and regional relationships. Type of system: The UK: Parliamentary system: Russia: Semi-Presidential system: Presidential, parliamentary, or King/Queen and Prime Minister President and Prime Minister followed by a bicameral semi-presidential. Parliament Explain. Ivan The House of Lords (upper) and the House of Commons (lower) Federal Assembly consists of the Duma (lower) and the Federation Council (upper) Describe the Parliamentary Democracy / Constitutional Monarchy Federal Semi-Presidential Republic executive (roles –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– and functions) Head of State (King/Queen): Head of State (President): Kamran Ceremonial Most powerful political figure ○ Performs constitutional and representational ○ Holds the highest executive authority duties, such as opening Parliament (e.g., in the country, combining roles often the "Queen’s/King’s Speech") and granting separated in parliamentary royal assent to legislation. democracies. ○ Does not intervene in day-to-day Controls domestic and foreign policy governance or policymaking. ○ Directly oversees domestic policy Acts strictly on the advice of the Prime Minister and (e.g., security, economic strategy) and Cabinet. foreign policy (e.g., diplomatic Head of Government (Prime Minister): relations, treaties). Leader of ruling party ○ Proposes legislation and issues ○ Oversees the functioning of the government decrees that carry the force of law and coordinates the development of without requiring parliamentary policies. approval. ○ Directs Cabinet meetings and ensures Commander-in-Chief decisions align with their party's policies. ○ Controls the military and defense Represents the UK at international summits, strategy. diplomatic events, and trade negotiations. ○ Makes decisions on military Responsible for defending government policies in operations, national security, and Parliament. defense policies. Answers questions in sessions such as Prime Appoints the Prime Minister, federal ministers, Minister's Questions (PMQs). and judges for higher courts, often with Subject to parliamentary oversight, including votes nominal parliamentary approval. of no confidence. Can dissolve the government, including Cabinet dismissing the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Senior ministers chosen by PM without parliamentary input. Implements laws, advises the PM Represents Russia in international forums, Senior ministers manage specific government summits, and diplomatic negotiations. departments (e.g., Treasury, Home Office, Head of Government (Prime Minister): Defense). Oversees day-to-day government All Cabinet members publicly support Cabinet administration decisions, even if they privately disagree. Implements President's policies Accountability Acts primarily as an extension of the The Prime Minister must maintain the confidence of President’s authority, with little room for  the majority in the House of Commons to stay in independent policy making. office. Supervises Cabinet members and ensures Parliament can remove the Prime Minister through adherence to the President's strategic goals. a vote of no confidence, prompting a new election Cabinet or government formation. Council of ministers led by PM Implements the President’s policies across various government sectors (e.g., economy, infrastructure, social welfare). Appointed by the President, with roles and responsibilities defined by the President. Accountability: President is held to nobodies accountability The President can unilaterally dismiss the Prime Minister and the Cabinet at any time, reflecting a lack of institutional checks on presidential power Describe the A parliamentary system where the legislative branch is A federal semi-presidential system with a bicameral legislative (roles bicameral, consisting of two houses legislature known as the Federal Assembly. and functions)Reid Duma House of Commons - The lower house of the Federal Assembly - Lower house and the primary legislative body - Legislation - Members of the House of Commons (MPs) are - Initiates and approves federal laws, elected in general elections especially those relating to taxation, - Functions budget, and financial regulations. - Legislation - Government Oversight - Creation and passage of laws - The Duma has the power to give a - Budget approval vote of confidence to the Government - All government taxation and of Russia and can impeach the spending must be approved by the President under extreme Commons. circumstances House of Lords Federation Council - The upper house, made up of appointed life peers, - Legislative Approval bishops, and hereditary peers. - Reviews laws passed by the Duma. It - Functions must approve laws relating to budget, - It reviews legislation passed by the federal structure, and international  Commons, suggesting amendments and affairs. improvements. - Appointive Powers - Approves presidential appointments to the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, and the Prosecutor General. Does this state UK: A vote of no confidence can be triggered by any Russia: The State Duma (the lower house of the have a “vote of no member of the parliament. In the UK, a vote of no Federal Assembly) can issue a vote of no confidence confidence” confidence is a way to show that the government no longer against the Prime Minister and the government. A function in the has the confidence of Parliament, and it is a serious no-confidence vote is typically initiated by a majority legislature? challenge to the leader's position of deputies in the Duma. The President holds Explain. Matteo significant power over the Prime Minister and can override the Duma's vote of no confidence, meaning the process is less likely to lead to political changes. Describe the The UK judiciary plays an important part in upholding the The judiciary of the Russian Federation is judiciary (roles and rule of law, ensuring justice, and maintaining constitutional responsible for interpreting and applying the law, functions): Jackson balance. It interprets and applies laws, resolves disputes in resolving disputes, and upholding the Constitution. It civil and criminal matters, and develops case law through operates through a hierarchical system, with the precedents. Judges oversee judicial reviews, ensuring Constitutional Court ensuring compliance with the government and public bodies act within the law, and Constitution, the Supreme Court overseeing general protect fundamental rights under frameworks like the courts, and arbitration courts handling economic and Human Rights Act 1998. They also handle specialized commercial disputes. Judges are tasked with areas such as family, employment, and immigration law, protecting individual rights and ensuring government and ensure fair trials in criminal cases. The judiciary actions align with the law, though judicial operates independently, as safeguarded by the independence is often questioned due to allegations Constitutional Reform Act 2005, and plays a critical role of political influence and corruption. Specialized in maintaining the separation of powers and the courts, such as military and administrative courts, constitutional principles underpinning the UK legal system. address specific areas of law. While the judiciary is constitutionally independent, its practical autonomy is frequently undermined, leading to challenges in maintaining the separation of powers and upholding the rule of law in the Russian Federation. Does this state Russia has judicial review, carried out by the Constitutional Judicial review exists in the UK but operates have judicial Court, which reviews laws and government actions for differently because the UK lacks a single, written review? Explain. compliance with the constitution. constitution. Maya While the court can invalidate unconstitutional laws, its Instead, judicial review examines whether the actions independence is often questioned due to significant of public bodies comply with statutory law, common executive influence, limiting its ability to challenge state law, or constitutional principles (derived from power effectively. precedents and conventions). The courts cannot strike down Acts of Parliament because of the principle of parliamentary sovereignty. Electoral system - Parliamentary democracy with no directly elected - Semi-presidential system with a directly for the executive executive. elected executive Ava - The Prime Minister is not directlyelected by the - The President is directly elected by the public public. Instead, the Prime Minister is the leader of through a two-round system (if no candidate the political party that commands a majority in the wins an absolute majority in the first round, a House of Commons after a general election runoff is held between the top two - General elections use a First Past the Post (FPTP) candidates). electoral system to elect Members of Parliament - The President combines the roles of head of (MPs) state and a powerful executive authority. - The monarch is the ceremonial head of state, and - the Prime Minister is the head of government. Electoral system - First past the post - Mixed electoral system for the legislature - Candidates compete in single-member districts and - Proportional representation and its effect on the the candidate with the most votes win regardless of - 5% electoral threshold party system absolute majority - Single-member districts KENZIE - Leads to a two-party dominance - Plurality system - Conservatives and labour - Dominance of a single party  - Smaller parties struggle to gain representation - State control and media influenced - Snp - United russia - Liberal democrats - Smaller loyalist parties have limited - Green party representation - Parties with concentrated regional bases can - Opposition parties are marginalized through perform disproportionately well compared to their administrative barriers and media control national vote share - Appears multi-party but is de-facto - SNP one-party - Plaid Cymru - Fragmentation among smaller parties - Many smaller parties lack substantial political power - Or seen as controlled opposition Democratic regime: The UK is a consolidated liberal Nondemocratic regime: Russia is widely considered democracy with a long history of representative an authoritarian regime with democratic elements Is this a government and constitutional monarchy. being largely superficial. nondemocratic regime? If so, what Free and fair elections: Regular, competitive elections with Electoral authoritarianism: Elections occur but are kind? (see p. universal suffrage are held to choose members of neither free nor fair, with significant restrictions on 13-14) Parliament and local governments. opposition parties, media, and voter choice. CLAUDIA Rule of law: The judiciary is independent, and government Concentration of power: Power is centralized under actions are bound by law, ensuring accountability. Vladimir Putin, with weakened institutions like the legislature and judiciary subordinated to executive Pluralism: Civil society operates freely, with active political control. parties, media, and interest groups. Limited pluralism: Civil society and independent Protection of rights: Fundamental rights like freedom of media face repression, including censorship, arrests, speech, assembly, and press are protected. and restrictions on NGOs. Controlled opposition: Opposition figures and movements are suppressed through legal and extralegal means. To what extent High degree of autonomy: Civil society in the UK Limited autonomy: Civil society in Russia faces does this state operates freely, independent of state interference. significant restrictions, with state control and have an Organizations like trade unions, charities, advocacy repression stifling independent action. autonomous civil groups, and NGOs can form and function without fear of society? Explain. government reprisal. "Foreign agent" laws: NGOs receiving foreign Claudia funding or engaging in political activities are often Freedom of expression and assembly: Citizens and labeled "foreign agents," subjecting them to stringent organizations have the right to express dissent, organize regulations and public stigmatization. protests, and advocate for change without fear of repression. Government interference: The state frequently uses legal, economic, and extralegal measures (like Active participation: A variety of civil society fines, raids, or arrests) to suppress independent organizations, from environmental groups to political organizations or dissenting voices. advocacy organizations, thrive and influence policymaking. Rule of law: The legal framework ensures that the State-sponsored groups: Pro-government government cannot arbitrarily restrict or disband civil organizations are promoted to overshadow society organizations. independent civil society, creating an illusion of pluralism while ensuring loyalty to the regime. Repression of protests: Public protests or  movements critical of the government are often met with violence, arrests, or bans. Does this state The UK has a strong political culture rooted in its historical Russia’s political culture is shaped by its history of have a strong evolution, with enduring institutions like the monarchy and centralized authority, from tsarist rule to the Soviet political culture Parliament ensuring stability and respect for the rule of era and modern governance under a strong (see definition on p. law. Its vibrant democracy is reflected in public presidency. It emphasizes nationalism, state control, 17)? Explain. engagement, political discourse, and a multi-party system and a preference for stability over liberal democratic Matias that accommodates ideological and regional diversity. principles. Public engagement is limited, with voter While challenges like Brexit, political polarization, and calls turnout often influenced by skepticism about electoral for Scottish independence test its adaptability, the UK’s integrity and constrained political opposition. While ability to evolve and address modern issues underscores Russia’s centralized political system provides the resilience of its political framework. continuity and effective state control, it faces challenges like corruption, limited civil liberties, and a lack of robust political pluralism. These factors create a political culture that prioritizes order but struggles with democratic accountability. To what extent Varies a lot because it spreads out through England, Centralized state-driven nationalism under Putin. does this state Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and they do not Putin is thought to do no wrong and be the perfect have a strong always get along or agree on various issues. Strong leader, and this is reinforced in the education system. sense of historical identity, and post-imperialism national identity Nationalism is also militarized, as seen in Crimea nationalism? have struggled because of some choosing to focus on the and most notably the war in Ukraine. These events Explain. Inigo past while others move towards the future. show the strong Russian ultranationalist identity,  think they are entitled to land because they used to have it and therefore should still own it regardless of the current state of the country that they are attempting to take sovereignty from What are the major Conservative Party (Tories) United Russia political parties of ○ Major party ○ Dominant party this state? ○ Right-leaning ○ Supports Putin, advocates stability, Describe each in ○ Free markets, individual responsibility, and nationalism, centralized authority short phrases. national sovereignty. Communist Party of the Russian Federation Kamran Labour Party ○ Left-wing ○ Major party ○ Promotes socialist policies, state ○ Left-leaning ownership ○ Social justice, public services, workers right Liberal Democratic Party of Russia Liberal Democrats ○ Far-right nationalist ○ Centrist to center-left ○ Advocates for strong nationalist, and ○ Civil liberties, environmental sustainability, an aggressive foreign policy electoral reform A Just Russia Scottish National Party (SNP) ○ Center-left to left-wing ○ Center-left ○ Focuses on social justice and ○ Scottish independence, devolution, climate economic equality action Yabloko Green Party of England and Wales ○ Liberal and pro-democracy ○ Left-wing ○ Advocates for human rights,  ○ Climate action, environmental issues environmental protection, European UK Independence Party (UKIP) integration ○ Advocating Brexit, strict immigration Plaid Cymru ○ Center-left ○ Welsh independence, cultural preservation How would you describe this The UK’s economy is a mixed capitalist system dominated Russia’s economy is a mixed system with significant state’s economy? by the service sector, particularly financial services, with state involvement, heavily reliant on natural (David from 7th pd) manufacturing significantly reduced due to resources, particularly oil and gas, which account for deindustrialization. Neoliberal reforms introduced in the a large share of GDP and export revenue. Following 1980s, such as privatization and deregulation, shifted the the collapse of the Soviet Union, market reforms in economy away from a Keynesian welfare model, fostering the 1990s introduced privatization, though state growth but exacerbating inequality. Brexit has further control reasserted itself under Vladimir Putin, challenged the economy by introducing trade barriers, especially in strategic sectors like energy and reducing foreign investment, and creating labor shortages defense. The economy faces structural challenges, in key sectors. Regional disparities persist, with London including overdependence on resource exports, and the South East outperforming the North and Midlands, corruption, and demographic decline. Western despite devolved governments addressing local needs. sanctions, imposed after events like the annexation Post-Brexit trade realignment, COVID-19 recovery, of Crimea in 2014, have further strained growth and transitioning to renewable energy, and tackling inequality spurred efforts to develop economic self-sufficiency remain key challenges, underscoring the tension between and diversify trade partnerships, particularly with market liberalization and social equity in the UK’s China. Regional inequality and underdevelopment economic model. outside major urban centers like Moscow and St. Petersburg remain significant, while economic policy continues to prioritize state stability and geopolitical  goals over liberalization. How would you Lots of power Lots of power describe this state’s role in the - The UK is a member of the United Nations Security - Russia is a member of the United Nations world? (From Haile, Council = a voice in major global decisions on Security Council = power over international 7th pd) peace and security. decisions on peace and security - One of the world's largest economies - Wants to expand its presence in regions like - The UK has a highly capable military the Middle East, Africa, and Asia - It is a key member of NATO - On of the largest producers of oil and natural - Donor of humanitarian and development aid = less gas = lots of money and market influence poverty - Russia has a strong military - Interventions in Syria and Ukraine - Wants to stop western power so partnered with countries like China, India, and Iran