Legislative Systems - AP Comparative Government & Politics

To demonstrate a lack of support for the government. Successful motions can force government resignation in parliamentary systems.

Candidates win by receiving the most votes in a constituency. This simple plurality system is used in many democracies.

A government formed by a party without a majority of seats. This requires negotiation and compromise with other parties for support.

Seats allocated based on the percentage of votes received. This system awards seats proportional to each party's vote share.

Review and amend proposed legislation. Committees provide detailed examination before full legislative votes.

The United States uses a bicameral system. Congress consists of the House and Senate.

A legislature with two chambers or houses. This structure allows for representation of different interests in each chamber.

An official responsible for party discipline. Whips ensure party members vote according to party positions.

It must be approved by both chambers. Both chambers must pass identical versions for final approval.

A tactic to delay or block legislative action. This procedural tool can extend debate indefinitely in some systems.

The executive is accountable to the legislature. The legislature can remove the executive through no-confidence votes.

To create, amend, and pass legislation. This is the core lawmaking responsibility of legislative bodies.

To change or add to a proposed bill or existing law. Amendments allow fine-tuning and improvement of legislative proposals.

More accurately reflects voter preferences. Small parties can gain representation matching their popular support.

To reconcile differences in bills from both chambers. These committees resolve conflicts between different chamber versions.

A government where decisions are made by general agreement. This approach seeks broad agreement rather than majority rule.

The minimum number of members needed to conduct business. Without a quorum, the legislature cannot make valid decisions.

To challenge and scrutinize the government. Opposition parties provide alternative policies and hold government accountable.

Rights and immunities ensuring legislative independence. These protections preserve legislative autonomy from external interference.

The executive and legislature are separately elected. This creates fixed terms and separation of powers.

A proposed law presented for debate and approval. Bills become law after passing through the legislative process.

Manipulating electoral boundaries for advantage. This practice distorts electoral fairness for partisan gain.

Can lead to disproportionate representation. Winners may receive less than 50% of votes in their district.

A government formed by a party with more than half the seats. This provides clear mandate and stable governance capacity.

The power to enact laws. This distinguishes the legislature from executive and judicial branches.

A system with a separate executive elected independently of the legislature. This creates separation of powers between branches of government.

A system where the executive is derived from the legislature. The prime minister and cabinet emerge from parliamentary majority.

Monitoring and supervising government actions. This ensures executive accountability through review and investigation.

Presides over debates and maintains order. The speaker ensures parliamentary procedure is followed correctly.