Executive Systems - AP Comparative Government and Politics

1. What is the main check on executive power in a democracy?

   Legislative oversight and judicial review. Democratic institutions provide accountability and limit executive power.

2. Identify the head of state in the United Kingdom.

   The Monarch. The constitutional monarch serves as the ceremonial head of state.

3. Which system allows for more rapid legislative action?

   Parliamentary system. Parliamentary fusion of powers enables faster policy implementation.

4. Identify the main function of a head of government.

   To lead the executive branch and implement policy. Heads of government manage day-to-day administration and policy implementation.

5. What is the primary advantage of a parliamentary system?

   Greater unity between executive and legislative branches. Executive emerges from and remains accountable to the legislature.

6. What type of executive system does Russia use?

   Semi-presidential system. Russia features both president and prime minister in dual executive.

7. Which official typically possesses veto power over legislation?

   The President. Presidential veto power provides check on legislative authority.

8. Identify the head of state in a parliamentary system.

   The Monarch or President, depending on the country. Head of state is separate from the head of government in parliamentary systems.

9. Which country uses a parliamentary system of government?

   The United Kingdom. Classic example of parliamentary democracy with Prime Minister as head of government.

10. What is the primary role of the executive in a government system?

    To enforce and implement laws. The executive branch carries out and administers legislative decisions.

11. What is the process for selecting a prime minister in a parliamentary system?

    Appointed by the head of state, usually the leader of the majority party. PM typically comes from the largest party in parliament.

12. In which system is the head of state also the head of government?

    Presidential system. Presidential systems combine both executive roles in one person.

13. What is the main function of a prime minister in a parliamentary system?

    To head the government and direct executive functions. The PM leads the cabinet and is accountable to parliament.

14. What is a key feature of a semi-presidential system?

    Executive power is shared between president and prime minister. Dual executive structure divides executive responsibilities.

15. What is the role of the executive council in some systems?

    Advisory body to the head of state or head of government. Provides expert advice and supports executive decision-making.

16. Which system often results in a coalition government?

    Parliamentary system. Parliamentary systems often require coalition building for governance.

17. What is a semi-presidential system?

    A system with both a president and a prime minister. Combines elements of presidential and parliamentary systems.

18. What distinguishes a presidential system from a parliamentary system?

    The president is separate from the legislature. Presidential systems have independent executive branches from the legislature.

19. Identify the executive system in Nigeria.

    Presidential system. Nigeria adopted presidential system modeled after the United States.

20. What is the significance of a vote of no confidence?

    It can dissolve the government in a parliamentary system. Mechanism for parliament to remove government that loses confidence.

21. Identify the main characteristic of a parliamentary system.

    The prime minister is accountable to the legislature. Parliamentary executives must maintain legislative confidence to govern.

22. Which system is more likely to have a divided government?

    Presidential system. Separation of powers can create executive-legislative conflict.

23. Who is typically the head of government in a presidential system?

    The President. In presidential systems, the president serves as both head of state and government.

24. What is the primary role of a head of state?

    To serve as the symbolic representative of a country. Heads of state represent national unity and perform ceremonial functions.

25. What is the role of a ceremonial president?

    Symbolic duties without direct political power. Ceremonial presidents perform symbolic functions without governing power.

26. What is a key advantage of a presidential system?

    Clear separation of powers. Independent executive prevents legislative dominance over government.

27. What is the term length for a president in a presidential system?

    Typically 4 to 6 years, varying by country. Fixed terms provide executive stability in presidential systems.

28. What is the significance of executive orders?

    Directives from the president with the force of law. Presidential orders allow executive action without legislative approval.

29. What is the main difference between a unitary and federal executive system?

    Distribution of powers between central and regional authorities. Federal systems divide executive authority between levels of government.

30. In which system is the executive directly elected by the people?

    Presidential system. Presidential systems feature direct popular election of the executive.

31. Identify the head of government in Germany.

    The Chancellor. Germany's parliamentary system features the Chancellor as head of government.

32. What type of executive system does France use?

    Semi-presidential system. France has both a president and prime minister sharing executive power.

33. What is a coalition government?

    A government formed by multiple political parties. Formed when no single party wins a parliamentary majority.

34. What is the role of the cabinet in a parliamentary system?

    To advise the prime minister and administer departments. Cabinet members head government departments and assist the PM.

35. What distinguishes the executive in a unitary system?

    Centralized authority with limited regional autonomy. Central government maintains primary authority over subnational units.

36. What is the function of a cabinet minister?

    To manage a specific department or ministry. Ministers oversee specific policy areas and government departments.

37. What is the role of a deputy prime minister?

    To assist the prime minister and assume duties in their absence. Deputy serves as backup and supports the prime minister's duties.

38. What role does the Monarch play in a constitutional monarchy?

    Ceremonial head of state. Constitutional monarchs have symbolic roles with limited political power.

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