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