Political Science 101 > Political Institutions and Governance > Flashcards

Political Institutions and Governance Flashcards

Discusses separation of powers, constitutional structures, and governance models with case studies from various systems. (75 cards)

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1
Q

Define:

Separation of Powers

A

A fundamental principle in many modern governments, which involves dividing the powers of a state into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Baron de Montesquieu, an Enlightenment thinker, proposed dividing government into three branches to prevent tyranny.

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2
Q

Fill in the blanks:

______ ______ ______ is a system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the others.

A

Checks and balances

This principle reinforces the separation of powers by ensuring cooperation and preventing abuse.

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3
Q

Define:

Governance

A

The processes by which power and authority are exercised to manage a country’s affairs.

Governance includes formal institutions, informal practices, and participation of civil society.

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4
Q

Explain why separation of powers is essential to governance.

A

It distributes power among branches, preventing any one from dominating and enabling effective checks and balances.

This promotes transparency, stability, and public trust.

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5
Q

Fill in the blanks:

The three main branches of U.S. government are the ______, ______, and ______.

A

legislative; executive; judicial

These branches share and limit each other’s powers under the Constitution.

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6
Q

What are political institutions?

A

Organizations that create, enforce, and apply laws; they include legislatures, courts, and bureaucracies.

Institutions also structure political behavior and expectations.

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7
Q

Name one major political institution for each U.S. government branch.

A

Congress (Legislative), President (Executive), Supreme Court (Judicial).

These institutions form the core structure of U.S. democratic governance.

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8
Q

The U.S. system of government is a __________ republic.

A

federal.

It combines national authority with state autonomy.

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9
Q

What compromise helped shape the structure of Congress?

A

The Great Compromise (or Connecticut Compromise).

It led to a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

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10
Q

What body is responsible for declaring war in the U.S.?

A

Congress.

This power is part of the legislative branch.

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11
Q

Define:

Bicameral legislature

A

A legislature with two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Intended to balance population-based and equal state representation.

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12
Q

Explain:

Explain the unique structure of the Senate of U.S.

A
  • Representation: Equal representation for each state, regardless of population.
  • Term Length: Six years, providing stability and long-term perspective.
  • Focus: Traditionally focuses on foreign policy and national security issues.
  • Procedures: Less formal and structured, allowing for extended debate and filibusters.

The Senate’s structure allows it to act as a stabilizing force in government.

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13
Q

What is the role of the Judiciary Committee in the Senate?

A

To evaluate judicial nominations and conduct hearings.

It plays a central role in confirming federal judges.

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14
Q

Why does the U.S. have two senators per state?

A

To ensure equal representation of states in the Senate.

This prevents larger states from dominating smaller ones.

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15
Q

What is the main duty of the Vice President in the U.S. Senate?

A

To preside over Senate sessions and break tie votes.

This is a constitutional role, though rarely exercised.

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16
Q

Fill in the blank:

The executive branch is responsible for ______ laws.

A

enforcing

The President leads the executive branch and ensures laws are carried out.

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17
Q

What is the primary role of the judicial branch?

A

To interpret the law and ensure its constitutionality.

The Supreme Court is the highest authority in this branch.

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18
Q

Why is judicial independence important in democracies?

A

It ensures fair trials and protects rights from political influence.

Independent courts can rule against other branches when necessary.

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19
Q

What are checks the legislative branch has over the executive?

A

Override vetoes, confirm appointments, and impeach the president.

Part of the checks and balances system.

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20
Q

True or False:

The U.S. President can declare laws unconstitutional.

A

False

Only the judicial branch, particularly the Supreme Court, has this power through judicial review.

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21
Q

True or False:

The U.S. Supreme Court justices are elected.

A

False

They are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

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22
Q

What is a veto?

A

The rejection of a proposed law by the executive.

In the U.S., the President can veto bills passed by Congress.

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23
Q

True or False:

The U.S. Constitution allows Congress to override a presidential veto.

A

True

It requires a two-thirds majority in both houses.

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24
Q

What is the main job of the U.S. House of Representatives?

A

To propose and vote on legislation.

Bills related to taxation must originate in the House.

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25
# Fill in the blanks: The **power of courts** to strike down laws that violate the Constitution is known as \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_.
judicial review ## Footnote Established in **Marbury v. Madison** (1803) in U.S.
26
# Define: Clause
A distinct section or provision within a **legal document**, especially the Constitution. ## Footnote Clauses such as the **Commerce Clause** and **Supremacy Clause** shape federal powers.
27
What is the necessary and **proper clause**?
A clause allowing Congress to pass laws needed to carry out its powers. ## Footnote Also called the elastic clause, found in Article I, Section 8.
28
What is the U.S. **Constitution's Supremacy Clause**?
Ensures that **federal laws** and treaties **take precedence** over state laws. ## Footnote Found in Article VI, it resolves conflicts between federal and state laws.
29
# Fill in the blanks: A \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ gives **congress** the power to **regulate trade** among states and with other nations.
commerce clause ## Footnote Interpreted broadly in many **landmark** cases.
30
Why do some countries adopt **proportional representation systems**?
To reflect **diverse political views** in legislatures. ## Footnote It allows smaller parties to gain seats relative to their vote share.
31
# True or False: **All countries** follow the U.S. model of **three government branches**.
False ## Footnote Some countries recognize more than three branches or **unique autonomous bodies**. For example, India has a centralized federal government, but also includes constitutional autonomous institutions like the Election Commission and Audit Authority.
32
What body acts as the **upper house** in **India's parliament**?
The Rajya Sabha. ## Footnote It represents Indian states and shares legislative power with the lower house.
33
# True or False: Canada’s system is both **federal and parliamentary**.
True ## Footnote It combines provincial autonomy with a legislature that selects the **prime minister**.
34
What **political institution** in China acts as a power above the state?
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) ## Footnote **The Party** controls all branches of government, including the military and judiciary.
35
# True or False: Switzerland has a **single president** with executive power.
False ## Footnote It uses a **Federal Council of seven members** who share executive duties equally. Switzerland's executive is a collective body, not a single president.
36
What gives **Swiss citizens** a role in **governance** beyond voting?
The system of **direct democracy**, including referendums and popular initiatives. ## Footnote Citizens can challenge laws or propose constitutional changes.
37
# Fill in the blank: The U.K. practices \_\_\_\_\_\_ by **granting powers** to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
devolution ## Footnote **Devolved governments** manage regional affairs like education and health, while Parliament retains sovereignty.
38
What institution leads the **European Union’s executive branch**?
The European Commission. ## Footnote It proposes legislation, enforces EU laws, and manages policy implementation.
39
What institution in **Germany** combines both **legislative and federal elements**?
The Bundesrat. ## Footnote It represents the German states at the federal level and participates in **lawmaking**.
40
What is the highest **court** in the United Kingdom?
The UK Supreme Court. ## Footnote It replaced the **House of Lords** as the top judicial authority in 2009.
41
# Define: Constitutionalism
The principle that government is **limited by a constitution** and must operate within the rule of law. ## Footnote It protects individual rights and maintains democratic accountability.
42
# Define: Enumerated powers in the U.S.
Powers explicitly listed in **the Constitution** that are granted to Congress. ## Footnote These include powers like **taxation, declaring war, regulating interstate commerce**, and **coining money**.
43
What is a **constitution**?
A set of **fundamental principles** or laws that govern a country. ## Footnote The U.S. Constitution is the oldest written constitution still in use.
44
# Identify: Three major **founding documents** of the United States
1. Declaration of Independence 2. Constitution 3. Bill of Rights ## Footnote These documents reflect the political evolution of **U.S governance**.
45
What is the purpose of a **constitution** in a political system?
To establish fundamental laws and **organize government** powers. ## Footnote Constitutions also protect citizens' rights and limit state authority.
46
What were the **Articles of Confederation**?
The **first U.S. constitution**, establishing a loose confederation of states with limited federal authority. ## Footnote Ratified in 1781 and replaced in 1789 due to their ineffectiveness.
47
# True or False: The **Articles of Confederation** gave strong central power to the federal government.
False ## Footnote The Articles created a weak central government and led to the drafting of the Constitution.
48
# Fill in the blank: The **U.S. Constitution** was adopted in \_\_\_\_\_\_.
1787 ## Footnote It replaced the **Articles of Confederation** and established a stronger central government.
49
What were three major outcomes of the **Constitutional Convention (1787)**?
* The creation of the **U.S. Constitution**, replacing the Articles of Confederation. * The establishment of **separation of powers** into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. * The development of compromises like the **Great Compromise (bicameral legislature)** and the Three-Fifths Compromise. ## Footnote These outcomes laid the foundation for modern U.S. governance and addressed conflicts between large and small states, and between northern and southern states.
50
What was the purpose of the **Federalist Papers**?
To support ratification of the U.S. Constitution. ## Footnote They explained the principles behind the new system of government.
51
Name the **three main parts** of the U.S. Constitution.
1. The Preamble 2. The Articles 3. The Amendments ## Footnote These parts outline goals, structures, and rights.
52
What is the purpose of the **preamble** to the Constitution?
To state the **foundational goals** and principles of the Constitution. ## Footnote It begins with “We the People” to signify popular sovereignty.
53
How many **Articles** are there in the U.S. Constitution?
Seven ## Footnote Each article covers key aspects of government powers and responsibilities.
54
# Fill in the blank: The **first article** of the U.S. Constitution establishes the \_\_\_\_\_\_ branch.
legislative ## Footnote Article I creates a **bicameral Congress**, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
55
# Fill in the blanks: The Constitution required **ratification** by \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_ \_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ states to become effective.
nine out of thirteen ## Footnote **Article VI**I describes the process for the ratification of the Constitution by the states.
56
Which article establishes the **judicial branch** of the U.S. government?
Article III ## Footnote It gives the Supreme Court authority and allows Congress to create lower courts.
57
# True or False: Article IV deals with relations among the states and guarantees each state a **republican form of government**.
True ## Footnote It includes provisions on **state responsibilities** and **interstate cooperation**.
58
# Fill in the blank: **Article V** of the U.S. Constitution explains how to \_\_\_\_\_\_ the Constitution.
amend ## Footnote It outlines the process by which the Constitution can be updated through formal amendments.
59
# Define: Amendment
A **formal change** or addition to the Constitution. ## Footnote There are currently 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
60
# Explain: Why is the **Amendments** section of the Constitution important?
It allows the Constitution to be **adapted** over time while maintaining its core framework. ## Footnote Amendments reflect changing social and political values.
61
Give one example of a U.S. **constitutional amendment**.
The **First Amendment**, which protects freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. ## Footnote Part of the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791.
62
# Fill in the blanks: The **13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments** are known as the \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_.
Reconstruction Amendments ## Footnote They **abolished slavery, granted citizenship and equal protection under the law**, and protected the voting rights of formerly enslaved men.
63
What are the **first ten amendments** to the U.S. Constitution called?
Bill of Rights ## Footnote These amendments protect **individual liberties**.
64
What is the role of the **Bill of Rights** in **governance**?
It **protects individual liberties** by limiting government power. ## Footnote It includes freedom of speech, religion, and due process.
65
What is a **civic institution**?
An organization that supports **citizen engagement** and public services. ## Footnote These include local governments, public schools, and libraries.
66
# Define: Interest group
An organized group that seeks to **influence public policy** without holding elected office. ## Footnote Examples include **environmental lobbies**, business associations, and civil rights groups.
67
# True or False: **Political parties** are considered non-governmental institutions.
True ## Footnote Though they compete in **elections**, parties are not formal parts of government structures.
68
# Fill in the blanks: \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ often act as **watchdogs**, shaping political agendas and informing the public.
Media organizations ## Footnote Media are vital in **democratic societies** for promoting transparency and accountability.
69
# Define: Think tank
A **research organization** that produces **policy recommendations** and analysis. ## Footnote Think tanks like the Brookings Institution or Cato Institute influence decision-making and debate.
70
Why are **labor unions** relevant in political governance?
They represent **workers’ interests**, negotiate labor conditions, and advocate for labor policies. ## Footnote Unions can lobby government and mobilize voters.
71
# Fill in the blank: **Civil society** organizations strengthen democracy by encouraging \_\_\_\_\_\_ participation.
civic ## Footnote These include NGOs, community groups, and faith-based organizations.
72
# True or False: **Religious institutions** have no political influence in democratic systems.
False ## Footnote Religious groups can shape moral debates and influence public opinion or legislation.
73
# Define: Advocacy organization
A group that promotes specific political or **social causes**, often through campaigns and lobbying. ## Footnote Examples include the ACLU, NAACP, and Amnesty International.
74
# Fill in the blanks: \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ are **youth-led** or **student-based** groups that advocate for political change.
Grassroots movements ## Footnote They often **mobilize communities** from the bottom up, especially through digital platforms.
75
Why are **international NGOs** like Human Rights Watch considered political actors?
They monitor **global governance**, document abuses, and pressure governments to uphold human rights. ## Footnote Their reports can shape **international policy** and public opinion.
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