Independent Legislatures - AP Comparative Government and Politics
- Identify one key feature of an independent legislature.
- Separation of powers from the executive branch. Independence requires constitutional separation from executive control.
- What is a 'joint committee'?
- A committee with members from both chambers. Allows coordination between houses on shared issues.
- What is the significance of a 'whip' in a legislature?
- Ensures party discipline and manages votes. Whips enforce party unity in voting.
- Which term describes a legislature's ability to approve budgets?
- Power of the purse. Control over spending gives legislatures significant leverage.
- Which body typically initiates legislation in a parliamentary system?
- The executive branch or cabinet. Government ministers propose most legislation in parliamentary systems.
- Which principle ensures a legislature's independence?
- Checks and balances. This system prevents any branch from dominating others.
- What is the 'upper house' in a bicameral legislature often called?
- Senate. Traditionally represents regional or federal interests.
- Identify one disadvantage of a bicameral legislature.
- Can lead to legislative gridlock. Disagreement between chambers can stall legislation.
- What is the term for a law proposed by a legislature?
- Bill. Bills become laws after legislative approval.
- What is the significance of committee systems in legislatures?
- They allow detailed examination of legislation. Committees provide expertise and specialized review.
- Define 'filibuster'.
- A prolonged speech to delay legislative action. This tactic exploits unlimited debate rules.
- What distinguishes a bicameral legislature from a unicameral one?
- Bicameral has two chambers, unicameral has one. The number of chambers defines the legislative structure.
- What is the role of a legislature in a parliamentary system?
- To elect the prime minister and approve government policies. Parliament controls government formation and survival.
- Identify one role of a legislative committee.
- To review and amend proposed legislation. Committees provide detailed scrutiny of proposed laws.
- What is a 'quorum' in legislative terms?
- The minimum number of members needed to conduct business. Without quorum, votes are invalid.
- Identify one characteristic of a parliamentary system.
- Executive is derived from the legislature. Unlike presidential systems, executive comes from legislature.
- What is the 'lower house' in a bicameral legislature often called?
- House of Representatives or similar. Usually directly elected and represents population.
- Identify one function of a legislative caucus.
- To coordinate policies among members. Caucuses unite members with shared interests or party affiliation.
- What does 'bicameral' mean in legislative context?
- Having two chambers or houses. From Latin 'bi' meaning two and 'camera' meaning chamber.
- What is 'gerrymandering'?
- Manipulating district boundaries for political gain. Districts are drawn to favor one party unfairly.
- Which legislative function involves questioning government officials?
- Legislative oversight. This includes hearings and investigations of executive actions.
- What is the purpose of a 'standing committee' in a legislature?
- To handle ongoing legislative responsibilities. These permanent committees handle regular business.
- What is a 'bill of rights' in legislative context?
- A list of fundamental rights and freedoms. Protects individual liberties from government overreach.
- What is a 'confidence vote' in a parliamentary system?
- A vote determining if the government retains support of the legislature. Losing confidence forces government resignation or new elections.
- Which term describes the majority required to override a veto?
- Supermajority. Usually requires two-thirds or three-fifths majority.
- What is the term for the process of redrawing legislative district boundaries?
- Redistricting. This occurs periodically to reflect population changes.
- What is the role of 'party leaders' in a legislature?
- To coordinate party strategy and policy. Leaders organize their party's legislative agenda.
- What is 'proportional representation' in legislative elections?
- Seats allocated based on vote share. Parties win seats matching their vote percentage.
- What is the primary function of an independent legislature?
- To make laws and provide oversight on the executive branch. These are the core constitutional duties of independent legislatures.
- What is a 'select committee'?
- A temporary committee for a specific purpose. Created for investigations or specific issues.
- Identify one advantage of a bicameral legislature.
- Provides checks within the legislature itself. Two chambers can review each other's decisions.
- Identify one mechanism for legislative accountability.
- Regular elections. Voters can remove unresponsive representatives.
- What is a 'veto' in legislative terms?
- Rejection of a bill by the executive. Executives can block legislation they oppose.
- What is the role of a 'Speaker' in a legislative assembly?
- To preside over sessions and maintain order. Speakers control debate and enforce rules.
- What does 'impeachment' mean in legislative terms?
- Charging a government official with misconduct. This is the first step in removing officials.
- What does 'unicameral' mean in legislative context?
- Having one chamber or house. From Latin 'uni' meaning one and 'camera' meaning chamber.
- Define 'legislative oversight'.
- The review and monitoring of government actions by the legislature. This ensures executive accountability to the legislature.
- Name one country with a bicameral legislature.
- United States. Congress has both House of Representatives and Senate.
- Name one country with a unicameral legislature.
- Sweden. The Riksdag has only one legislative chamber.
- What is the 'electoral threshold'?
- Minimum vote percentage to enter legislature. Prevents very small parties from gaining seats.