Summary History Political Science II PDF

Summary History Political Science II Federalism Definition State power is shared between the federal government, the cantons and the communes. Federalism makes it possible for Switzerland to exist as one...

Summary History Political Science II Federalism Definition State power is shared between the federal government, the cantons and the communes. Federalism makes it possible for Switzerland to exist as one entity – in spite of four linguistic cultures and varying regional characteristics. The Swiss federal system consists of three levels of governance. Authority is shared between the Confederation (central state), the 26 cantons (the federal states), and the 2,352 communes. Each of these three levels has legislative and executive powers. Principle of Subsidiarity Definition Powers are allocated to the Confederation, the cantons and the communes in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity. The Confederation only undertakes tasks that the cantons are unable to perform, or which require uniform regulation by the Confederation. Under the principle of subsidiarity, nothing that can be done at a Iower political level should be done at a higher level. If, for example, a commune is unable to deal with a certain task, the next higher political entity, the canton, has a duty to provide support. Separation of Powers Definition In Switzerland’s state structure, there are two central mechanisms for the separation of powers: the classic horizontal separation of powers between the legislative, executive and judicial branches and the vertical separation of powers between the Confederation, Cantons and Communes. Political Spectrum Definition LIBERAL CONSERVATIVE Individual freedom, political Holding traditional values and economic freedom  LEFT-WING − A strong social state that levels social disparities − Emphasis on employee’s interests − Price controls, public services − More peace policy, less military RIGHT-WING − Freedom and personal responsibility; the state intervenes only where absolutely necessary − Emphasis on employer’s interests − Free enterprise, economic incentives − A strong national defence Parties Definition SVP (Swiss People’s Party) National-conservative and economically liberal; focuses on restrictive immigration, Swiss sovereignty, and traditional values. SP (Social Democratic Party) Social democratic and progressive; advocates for social justice, welfare expansion, climate action, gender equality, and international cooperation. FDP (The Liberals) Economically liberal and center-right; supports free markets, minimal state regulation, private sector strength, and liberal social policies. CVP/Mitte (The Centre) Christian-democratic and center-right; promotes family support, balanced foreign policy, welfare state, and liberal economics. GPS (Green Party) Left-wing and ecological; champions climate action, environmental protection, social justice, and sustainable energy. GLP (Green Liberal Party) Centrist; merges ecological goals with economic freedom, emphasizing climate protection and a market-based green economy. EVP (Evangelical People’s Party) Christian-social; focuses on ethical issues, family protection, and social justice. Political Rights Definition Right of Petition Definition The Right of Petition is the right of individuals or groups to formally submit concerns, complaints, or proposals to the government or other state institutions. It allows citizens to request political or legal actions without fear of retaliation and is a fundamental element of democratic systems. Direct counter-proposal Definition Federal Assembly can draw up its own constitutional bill in response to the concerns raised in a popular initiative, which is put to the vote in direct competition with the popular initiative: Initiative Direct Counter-Proposal Indirect counter-proposal Instead of a direct counter-proposal, parliament can also approve an indirect counter- proposal. A legislative bill (changing the law!) of this type is closely related to a popular initiative but is not put to the vote as a counter-proposal to the initiative. A majority of the Federal Assembly wishes in this way to show that it regards the popular initiative as going too far, but that it still wants to take up the matter, if only in part, and bring in new legislation below the level of the Constitution. US Constitution Definition Democrats and Republicans Definition The United States has two major national political parties, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. If not well known, there are many other parties. President Election Definition The U.S. presidential election uses the Electoral College system. Voters cast ballots in their state for a slate of electors pledged to a candidate. Each state has a set number of electors based on its representation in Congress (Senators + Representatives). A total of 538 electors exist, and a candidate needs a majority (270 votes) to win. States usually award all their electors to the candidate with the most votes in that state (winner-takes-all). Electors meet in December to formally vote, and results are certified by Congress in January. Election Definitions Swing State A state where both major political parties have similar levels of support, making it critical in determining the outcome of U.S. presidential elections. Electoral College The system used to elect the U.S. president, where each state has a set number of votes based on its population, and these votes are cast by electors. Winner-Takes-All An electoral system where the candidate receiving the most votes in a state gets all of its Electoral College votes (used in most states). Consequences Definition Consequences for the candidates U.S. election outcomes shape policy, Supreme Court decisions, and foreign affairs. Presidential and Congressional wins influence key issues, legislative agendas, and party power. They therefore need to stand for their promises. Consequences for the voters For voters, U.S. election outcomes affect daily life, influencing healthcare, jobs, education, and civil rights. Choices made impact local and national policies that shape their communities and future opportunities. Political System Definitions Proportional Representation Seats are allocated according to the number of votes received by the parties. Seats then allocated to the best-placed candidates in those parties. Majority System An electoral system where candidates must secure a majority of votes (50%+1) to win, often through single-member districts or runoff elections. Technique Election Definition − Unaltered List − Crossing out without substitution − Crossvote − Cumulate − Empty list with party name − Empty list without party name Cumulative Voting Voters can assign multiple votes to a single candidate to increase their chances of election. Cross-Voting Voters can select candidates from different party lists, rather than voting for all candidates from a single party list. Striking Out (or Crossing Out) Voters can remove candidates from a party list by crossing out their names. Substitution Voters can replace a crossed-out candidate with a name from another list or add a candidate not on the list. Party Voting Instead of individual candidates, voters can simply vote for an entire party list as it is. Empty Lists Voters can create their own list of candidates by writing names from different parties or even individuals not officially on the ballot. Parliament Definition Structure Large chamber: 200 in National Council (people's representatives) Small chamber: 45 in Council of States (representatives of cantons) National Council Represents the roughly 9 million people living in Switzerland whereas each member represents around 40'000 people. Zürich has therefore 35 members. Every canton has at least one seat in the Nation Council. Council of States Members represent cantons whereas two members represent one canton. Tasks − Enact legislation − Releasing funding (budget) and approving the state accounts − Overseeing Federal Council, Federal Administration and the Federal Courts − Electing members of Federal Council, Federal Courts and Federal Chancellor − Concluding international agreements, the Federal Council is not responsible for − Fostering relations with foreign parliaments Parliamentary Initiative A Council member, a parliamentary group committee may propose the draft of a new such an enactment. Postulate Mandates the Federal Council to examine and report on whether to submit a bill to the Federal Assembly or to take a measure. Motion Instructs the Federal Council to submit a bill to the Federal Assembly or to take a certain measure. Interpellation Requests information from the Federal Council on important domestic or foreign events or on federal matters. Committees − Committees are groups formed from a set number of members of parliament. − Responsible for specific topic: transport, legal affairs, foreign affairs and social policy. − Their principal task is to discuss the items of business assigned to them before these are debated in the chamber. − They also keep abreast of the changes in society and politics affecting their domain and draw up responses to these developments. Parliamentary groups (Fraktionen) − In NC, only members of a parliamentary group have the right to express their views on an item of business − At least 5 members from one council are needed to form a parliamentary group − Parties with fewer than five council members in a group. They are also courted: The more members the group has, the more seats they are entitled to on committees and the greater their influence is − Members can only play an active role if they belong to a group - this membership is a requirement to be granted a seat on a committee Levels of Law Definition Constitution Fundamental laws Laws System of rules, concretize the constitution, specific ideas of the constitution Regulations Regulate and concretize implementation of laws, how to apply it Three Phases Laws Definition Initial Phase A proposal for a law can come from the people, parliament, cantons, or the Federal Council (most common). The Federal Administration drafts the initial bill with input from advisory committees and stakeholders (cantons, parties, pressure groups). The Federal Council finalizes the draft and submits it to Parliament with a message outlining its intentions. Parliamentary Phase − Parliamentary committees in both chambers (National Council and Council of States) review the bill and make amendments. − Each chamber votes to accept or reject the bill. If rejected, it returns to the Federal Council for revision or cancellation. − If accepted, the chambers examine the bill article by article. Disagreements are resolved through a compromise process. Once approved, the bill is enacted but not yet effective. Vote and entry into force − The enacted law is subject to an optional referendum: 50,000 citizens must request a vote within 100 days, or the law automatically takes effect. − If a referendum is called, the law is put to a popular vote. Certain laws, like constitutional amendments, require a mandatory referendum. − Once approved by the people (or if no referendum is called), the law comes into force. Federal Council Definition Consensus Federal Council takes decisions as a collegial body: the members seek consensus to win a majority support for their policies. They all represent the same opinion. Principle of Collegiality The Federal Council is expected to defend the position of the Federal Council, even if it is contrary to their personal view or that of their party. Magic Formula 2:2:2:1 is the formula which describes the amount of seats which represent the parties. The largest three parties each hold two seats in Federal Council, while the fourth largest party has one seat. Concordance Switzerland is a consociational democracy. Concordance means that all parties are integrated into the political system. This means that all parties have a say in deciding laws or filling administrative positions. The opposite of concordance is competition. In competitive democracy, the parties that have the majority in parliament make the decisions. Departments The federal administration is divided into seven departments. Each department is headed by a Federal Councillor. The Federal Council regulates the representation. In addition, there is the Federal Chancellery as a government department. German Constitution Definition German Government Definition In Germany, the government is formed after federal elections. Political parties negotiate to create a coalition if no single party wins a majority. The Bundestag elects the Chancellor, who is typically the leader of the largest party in the coalition. The Chancellor appoints federal ministers, who lead ministries and implement government policies. The coalition agreement outlines the government’s priorities and goals. Ampel Aus Definition Germany's government crisis, known as "Ampel-Aus," involves the collapse of the SPD- Green-FDP coalition due to disputes over budget priorities, particularly defense and infrastructure. Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP), leading other FDP ministers to resign and reducing the government to a minority. A confidence vote is scheduled for December 16, 2024. If the government fails, early elections may occur in February 2025, creating significant political uncertainty. Lobbying Definition Influencing through direct contact with member of parliament. In the Federal Parliament: Each member of the Council is authorised to issue access passes to two people (Göttisystem). − Direct representation: Members of parliament belong to an interest group. − Strikes − Initiatives and Referenda − Rallies and events