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. presidential House Session - C-SPAN Video Library

How the English Parliamentary 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

Constitution A 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 Party A group that is involved in the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy.

Head of State An 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 republic Administration Divisions – 50 states and 1 district Constitution – September 17, 1787 Legal System – Federal court system based on English Common law Executive Branch – Head of State – President Head of Government – President Legislative Branch – Bicameral Senate – 100 members House of Representatives – 435 members Judicial Branch – Federal system Federal Courts State Courts Local Courts Political Parties – Democratic, Republican, Libertarian and Green Party