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European Politics and Government
Characteristics of a democratic government
A democracy is a form of government
in which the supreme power is
vested in the people and
exercised directly by them or by their
elected agents under a free
electoral system.
Unitary System
A unitary state is a state whose three organs of state are governed
constitutionally as one single unit, with one constitutionally created
legislature.
In a unitary state, any sub-governmental units can be created or
abolished, and have their powers varied, by the central government.
Federal System
A system in which power is constitutionally distributed
between a central authority and a number of constituent territorial
units.
Reviewing types of democratic governments
Federal System
Confederate System
The Articles of Confederation
Switzerland and Ireland are some of the few present day confederations.
Presidential System
A system where an elected official
serves as both chief of state and chief political executive
in a republic having a presidential government.
House Session - C-SPAN Video Library
How the EnglishParliamentary System
Began
English Documents and Democracy
Parliamentary System
Legislature holds supreme power. Prime minister is chosen by members of the legislature
(Parliament) from among their own number and is the leader of the majority party in the legislature.
Cabinet members must also belong to the legislature, where they are subject to the same kind of questioning that the prime minister experiences.
If the prime minister loses the support of the majority in the legislature on a significant vote, he or she must resign, and elections are called immediately.
Elections in parliamentary countries may occur at any time, the only restriction being (in Britain) that they must be held at least once every five years.
Parliament
ConstitutionA written document
outlining the basic principles and laws of a nation, state,
or social group that determine the
powers and duties of the government
and guarantee certain rights to the people in it.
Political PartyA group that is involved in the art or science
concerned with guiding or influencing
governmental policy.
Head of StateAn elected official
having the position of chief
of state, but usually only
minimal political powers in a
republic having a parliamentary government.
Head of Government
An elected official having the position of
the chief executive of a parliamentary government.
United States of America
Government Type – Constitutional based – federal republicAdministration Divisions – 50 states and 1 districtConstitution – September 17, 1787Legal System – Federal court system based on English
Common lawExecutive Branch –
Head of State – PresidentHead of Government – President
Legislative Branch – BicameralSenate – 100 membersHouse of Representatives – 435 members
Judicial Branch – Federal systemFederal CourtsState CourtsLocal Courts
Political Parties – Democratic, Republican, Libertarian and Green Party
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