Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems - AP Comparative Government & Politics
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What is a distinctive feature of a semi-presidential system?
What is a distinctive feature of a semi-presidential system?
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Both a president and a prime minister share executive roles. Dual executive structure divides governmental responsibilities.
Both a president and a prime minister share executive roles. Dual executive structure divides governmental responsibilities.
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What is the defining characteristic of a parliamentary system?
What is the defining characteristic of a parliamentary system?
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Fusion of powers between executive and legislative branches. Executive emerges from and depends on legislative majority.
Fusion of powers between executive and legislative branches. Executive emerges from and depends on legislative majority.
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Identify the primary feature of a presidential system.
Identify the primary feature of a presidential system.
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Separation of powers between branches. Executive and legislative branches operate independently.
Separation of powers between branches. Executive and legislative branches operate independently.
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Who is the head of government in a presidential system?
Who is the head of government in a presidential system?
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The president. President serves as both head of state and government.
The president. President serves as both head of state and government.
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Which system often features a dual executive?
Which system often features a dual executive?
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Semi-presidential system. Power shared between president and prime minister.
Semi-presidential system. Power shared between president and prime minister.
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What is the role of the prime minister in a semi-presidential system?
What is the role of the prime minister in a semi-presidential system?
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Head of government. PM handles domestic policy while president leads state.
Head of government. PM handles domestic policy while president leads state.
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In a parliamentary system, who can dismiss the prime minister?
In a parliamentary system, who can dismiss the prime minister?
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The parliament. Vote of no confidence can remove the government.
The parliament. Vote of no confidence can remove the government.
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Which system has a president elected independently from the legislature?
Which system has a president elected independently from the legislature?
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Presidential system. President chosen by voters, not by legislature.
Presidential system. President chosen by voters, not by legislature.
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What is a characteristic of a coalition government?
What is a characteristic of a coalition government?
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Multiple parties share power. No single party has majority, so parties must cooperate.
Multiple parties share power. No single party has majority, so parties must cooperate.
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In which system does the president have significant executive powers?
In which system does the president have significant executive powers?
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Presidential system. President directly controls executive branch powers.
Presidential system. President directly controls executive branch powers.
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Identify a key disadvantage of a parliamentary system.
Identify a key disadvantage of a parliamentary system.
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Potential for unstable government. Government can fall if it loses legislative support.
Potential for unstable government. Government can fall if it loses legislative support.
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Which system allows for direct election of the president by the people?
Which system allows for direct election of the president by the people?
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Presidential system. Citizens vote directly for president in elections.
Presidential system. Citizens vote directly for president in elections.
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What can trigger a vote of no confidence?
What can trigger a vote of no confidence?
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Loss of parliamentary support. Parliament withdraws confidence when dissatisfied with government.
Loss of parliamentary support. Parliament withdraws confidence when dissatisfied with government.
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In a semi-presidential system, who typically handles foreign affairs?
In a semi-presidential system, who typically handles foreign affairs?
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The president. President focuses on international relations and diplomacy.
The president. President focuses on international relations and diplomacy.
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Which system's executive is dependent on legislative support for survival?
Which system's executive is dependent on legislative support for survival?
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Parliamentary system. Executive must maintain parliamentary confidence to govern.
Parliamentary system. Executive must maintain parliamentary confidence to govern.
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What is a common feature of presidential systems regarding legislation?
What is a common feature of presidential systems regarding legislation?
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President cannot dissolve the legislature. Branches remain separate with checks and balances.
President cannot dissolve the legislature. Branches remain separate with checks and balances.
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What is one advantage of a semi-presidential system?
What is one advantage of a semi-presidential system?
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Balance of power between president and prime minister. Distributes executive power to prevent concentration.
Balance of power between president and prime minister. Distributes executive power to prevent concentration.
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Which system may have a ceremonial head of state?
Which system may have a ceremonial head of state?
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Parliamentary system. Head of state performs symbolic duties only.
Parliamentary system. Head of state performs symbolic duties only.
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In a parliamentary system, who typically appoints the prime minister?
In a parliamentary system, who typically appoints the prime minister?
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The head of state. Usually the leader of the majority party.
The head of state. Usually the leader of the majority party.
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Which system can become a 'lame duck' when the president is unpopular?
Which system can become a 'lame duck' when the president is unpopular?
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Presidential system. Weakened president cannot effectively govern or legislate.
Presidential system. Weakened president cannot effectively govern or legislate.
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Identify a drawback of the presidential system.
Identify a drawback of the presidential system.
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Potential for gridlock between branches. Opposing parties can block each other's initiatives.
Potential for gridlock between branches. Opposing parties can block each other's initiatives.
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What is a potential issue in a semi-presidential system?
What is a potential issue in a semi-presidential system?
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Conflict between president and prime minister. Power struggles between dual executives create tension.
Conflict between president and prime minister. Power struggles between dual executives create tension.
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Which system typically features a strong party discipline?
Which system typically features a strong party discipline?
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Parliamentary system. Party members vote according to leadership direction.
Parliamentary system. Party members vote according to leadership direction.
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What is the primary role of the legislature in a parliamentary system?
What is the primary role of the legislature in a parliamentary system?
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To legislate and hold the executive accountable. Parliament makes laws and oversees government performance.
To legislate and hold the executive accountable. Parliament makes laws and oversees government performance.
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Which system requires a constitutional amendment to change the executive structure?
Which system requires a constitutional amendment to change the executive structure?
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Presidential system. Formal amendment process needed to alter structure.
Presidential system. Formal amendment process needed to alter structure.
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In which system can the executive dissolve the legislature and call for elections?
In which system can the executive dissolve the legislature and call for elections?
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Parliamentary system. Executive can trigger new elections when needed.
Parliamentary system. Executive can trigger new elections when needed.
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Identify the system where the prime minister is typically the leader of the majority party.
Identify the system where the prime minister is typically the leader of the majority party.
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Parliamentary system. Majority party leader becomes head of government.
Parliamentary system. Majority party leader becomes head of government.
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What is a feature of the executive branch in a semi-presidential system?
What is a feature of the executive branch in a semi-presidential system?
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Shared powers between president and prime minister. Executive authority divided between two leaders.
Shared powers between president and prime minister. Executive authority divided between two leaders.
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Which system often results in a clearer separation of powers?
Which system often results in a clearer separation of powers?
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Presidential system. Distinct roles prevent concentration of all power.
Presidential system. Distinct roles prevent concentration of all power.
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What type of government formation is common in parliamentary systems?
What type of government formation is common in parliamentary systems?
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Coalition government. Multiple parties form government when no majority exists.
Coalition government. Multiple parties form government when no majority exists.
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