AP Gov Unit 2
In both countries, the legislature reviews and oversees the budget
Which of the following legislative functions is similar in Iran and Russia?
National People's Congress
According to the Chinese constitution, formal power of governing rests with the
Their position as general secretary
Chinese leaders Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin gained their political authority and effective political power from which of the following?
presidential systems
Different political parties can control the legislative and executive branches in Mexico and Nigeria because both countries have
presidential system
Divided government is possible in Mexico because it is a
postpone the enactment of legislation
In Great Britain, the House of Lords has the power to
President
Nigeria's head of state is the
makes the executive electorally independent of other branches of government
One difference between the parliamentary and presidential forms of government is that the presidential form
exercise judicial review
One of the primary functions of Russia's Constitutional Court is to
A unitary government with a dual executive whose prerogatives and responsibilities are specified in the Constitution
Which description below most accurately describes Iran's Islamic republic?
The House of Commons features Question Time and gives members the chance to question the prime minister, which does not occur in the National People's Congress.
Which of the following is a difference between the parliamentary systems of China and the United Kingdom?
is selected by the legislature, while a President is not
Parliamentary systems differ from presidential systems in that the head of government in a parliamentary system
the judiciary in the United Kingdom is independent, whereas the judiciary in Russia is not
Rule of law is stronger in the United Kingdom than it is in Russia because
draft and passes legislation
The main duty of China's Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) is to
the Russian prime minister is limited by a much more powerful head of state
The power of the Russian prime minister is more limited than the power of the prime minister in the United Kingdom because
parliamentary systems
The types of motions discussed in the passage are most common only in countries with
the government steps down and a new government must be formed
A successful vote of no confidence in a parliamentary system means that
officials who are responsible for the implementation of public policy
Bureaucrats are best described as
Citizens in China are less likely to receive a fair trial because the judicial system is governed by rule by law, whereas the United Kingdom's judicial system is governed by rule of law.
For citizens involved in legal disputes with the government in China and the United Kingdom, which of the following best explains the likely outcome?
A vote of no confidence would have been staged and James Callaghan would have been removed from office.
If Mr. Downie's prediction was accurate, which of the following would have been likely to occur?
finance minister
In Great Britain, the title "chancellor of the exchequer" refers to the
senior clerics have authority over the entire community
In Iran, the concept of jurist guardianship states that
appointed by the Supreme Leader
In Iran, the head of the judiciary is
northern region
In Nigeria, Shari'ah law is part of the legal system in the
The continued weakening of the rule of law in Russia
In Russia, the Yukos trial and the subsequent imprisonment of Mikhail Khodorkovsky reflected which of the following?
the smallest number of parties necessary to command a majority in an assembly
In a parliamentary system, a minimum winning coalition refers to
ratify treaties and approve troop deployments
In addition to its basic lawmaking function, the Federation Council of the Russian Federation also has the power to
In both countries, the lower house is popularly elected.
In comparing the legislatures of the United Kingdom and Mexico, which of the following statements is true?
creation of an independent judiciary
In recent years, all of the following reforms have been instituted in China EXCEPT
Prime Minister and cabinet
In the British political system, effective policy- making power rests primarily with the
Russia and Nigeria
In which two countries does the legislative branch have the power of impeachment?
A national assembly with only limited powers to oversee the executive and enact laws
Iran and China share which of the following institutional arrangements?
López Obrador is attempting to control judicial decision making.
Latin America's two biggest economies are in their first 100 days under new management. During the presidential campaigns in Brazil and Mexico, democracy's champions worried most about Brazil, given Jair Bolsonaro's nostalgia for military rule. Yet today it is Mexico's democracy that is under greater threat: President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, known as AMLO, is systematically concentrating power in an already strong executive. From the start, AMLO has undermined democratic norms and checks and balances. Despite controlling a constitutional majority in Mexico's Chamber of Deputies and sizable majority in its Senate, he has often chosen to work outside the formal legislative process. Instead he has relied on dubious public "referendums," sampling small and politically skewed groups to set agricultural policy, boost pensions, authorize infrastructure projects and create scholarships. He has attacked and stacked the courts. He quickly moved to cut judges' salaries and take control of court officials' evaluations and promotions. His first nominations to the highest bench include the wife of a favored contractor and party loyalists. Source: Shannon K. O'Neil, "López Obrador is Dismantling Democracy in Mexico," Bloomberg Opinion, March 11, 2019 Which of the following assertions is used by the author to support the claim in the passage?
may be removed as a result of votes of no confidence in the lower house of the legislature
One similarity between the Prime Minister of Russia and the Prime Minister of Great Britain is that both
a parliamentary system
Russia and Nigeria share all of the following characteristics EXCEPT
The president's choice for prime minister must be approved by the Duma.
Russia's constitution provides for a semipresidential system in which of the following ways?
Overseeing the civil service
Russia's prime minister is primarily responsible for which of the following?
Khamenei used the Revolutionary Guard to preserve the status quo by suppressing protests
The 2009 presidential election in the Islamic Republic of Iran was one of the most transformative events in Iran's modern history. It bared important schisms within the .·.·. political system and pitted two key camps against one another, each with a very different vision of what Iran should be and what it should become. It appeared to solidify . . . under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and continued an ongoing militarization of Iranian politics led by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. . . . The widespread fraud alleged by the leading opposition candidate, former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi, and the .·.·. (political system's) repressive response irrevocably shattered an unspoken contract between the government and the people—one in which the theocratic government had allowed some popular political participation and limited personal space in return for the people's acquiescence to the status quo. Even the highest authority in Iran, the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, did not escape censure by the opposition—a traditional "red line" in Iranian politics that clerics, politicians, and voters alike crossed numerous times after the polls closed. Previously, Khamenei had portrayed himself as above the often-brutal factional "fray" in Iran. But now he came down decisively on the side of Ahmadinejad and his hard-line allies and used the Revolutionary Guard to preserve the status quo. In so doing, he altered the role of the office he occupied. Source: Alireza Nader, David E. Thaler, and S.R. Bohand. The Next Supreme Leader: Succession in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Rand National Defense Research Institute, 2011 Which of the following best describes the authors' evidence that Supreme Leader Khamenei sided with President Ahmadinejad in the aftermath of the 2009 presidential election in Iran?
the use of precedents to guide legal decisions
The common law system, especially as practiced in Great Britain, is based on
Majles
The institution in Iran that makes laws related to civil liberties is the
Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party
The political institution that exerts the most power in China is the
bicameral legislatures based partly on regions and partly on population
The political systems of Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia all have
a democratic regime is the commander in chief accountable to the citizens
The primary difference between a commander in chief in a democratic regime and a commander in chief in an authoritarian regime is that only in
hold government ministers accountable for their actions
The primary purpose of the Question Hour in the British Parliament is to
The legislature has a constitutional check on the executive.
The role of the executive in Nigeria is similar to that of the executive in Mexico in which of the following ways?
judicial review is seen as violating the principle of parliamentary sovereignty
The use of judicial review in the United Kingdom is limited because
Both the president and legislature have democratic legitimacy, but conflicts may arise between the two institutions over policy disputes.
Two things about presidential government stand out. The first is the president's strong claim to democratic, even plebiscitarian, legitimacy; the second is his fixed term in office. . . . . . . In a presidential system, the legislators, especially when they represent cohesive, disciplined parties that offer clear ideological and political alternatives, can also claim democratic legitimacy. This claim is thrown into high relief when a majority of the legislature represents a political option opposed to the one the president represents. . . . Who has the stronger claim to speak on behalf of the people: the president or the legislative majority that opposes his policies? Since both derive their power from the votes of the people in a free competition among well-defined alternatives, a conflict is always possible and at times may erupt dramatically. . . . The second outstanding feature of presidential systems—the president's relatively fixed term in office—is also not without drawbacks. It breaks the political process into discontinuous, rigidly demarcated periods, leaving no room for the continuous readjustments that events may demand. The duration of the president's mandate becomes a crucial factor in the calculations of all political actors, a fact which . . . is fraught with important consequences. Source: Linz, Juan. "The Perils of Presidentialism." Journal of Democracy 1:51-69, 1990. Which answer best describes one of the author's claims in the passage?
Both systems have a cabinet that advises the chief executive.
Which of the following accurately describes a similarity between the parliamentary system of the United Kingdom and the presidential system of Mexico?
The British judiciary uses common law to enforce rule of law, whereas the Russian judiciary uses the judiciary to target opposition.
Which of the following accurately explains an outcome of differing judicial systems among the Comparative Government course countries?
The Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majles) and the Guardian Council
Which of the following are the two most powerful policy-making institutions in Iran?
Judiciaries overrule executive and legislative actions.
Which of the following best describes how judiciaries remain independent from other branches of government?
The Nigerian president is removed through impeachment proceedings in the legislature.
Which of the following best describes how the president is removed in Nigeria?
In addition to serving as head of government, head of state, and commander in chief, a president often appoints people to several positions in all three branches of government.
Which of the following best explains a major source of power for a president in a presidential system?
Even though the United Kingdom and Mexico have different types of political systems, in both countries the legislature can be a powerful check on the executive.
Which of the following best explains different checks that legislatures have on the executive in the United Kingdom and Mexico?
The National People's Congress is subservient to the Politburo Standing Committee, which is the actual center of power in China.
Which of the following best explains how power in the National People's Congress is constrained?
The president is responsible for both executing the laws and representing the state.
Which of the following best explains the effect of the president's combined role as both head of state and head of government in countries such as Nigeria and Mexico?
The Chinese judiciary promotes rule by law instead of rule of law, resulting in a judicial system that is subservient to the Communist Party.
Which of the following best explains the role of the judiciary in China?
The Nigerian government has made an effort to reduce corruption in the judicial system by protecting the power of judicial review and independence.
Which of the following best explains why many respondents to the poll agreed that the statement "The court system treats everyone fairly" described Nigeria well?
The fusion of executive and legislative power in the United Kingdom leads to fewer institutional obstacles to enacting policy, whereas the divided branch powers in Mexico make it more difficult.
Which of the following best explains why the policy-making process in the United Kingdom is usually more efficient than in Mexico?
The British prime minister can be removed by members of Parliament (MPs), while the Mexican president can be removed only by the impeachment process.
Which of the following best explains why, between general elections, the British prime minister is more likely than the president of Mexico to be replaced between general elections?
The head of government can be dismissed through a vote of no confidence in the assembly.
Which of the following can be considered a fundamental feature of parliamentary government?
It was determined that a permanent legal body be established with jurisdiction to resolve disputes relating to devolution in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Which of the following caused the British government to establish a Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in 2009 ?
The president has the power to appoint or nominate members to the National Supreme Court of Justice.
Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between the Mexican Supreme Court of Justice and other political institutions in Mexico?
Russia and Nigeria
Which of the following countries have bicameral legislatures?
The Iranian president is limited to two terms, whereas the Mexican president is limited to one term.
Which of the following describes an accurate difference between executive term limits in Iran and in Mexico?
Executive term limits can force effective executives out of office.
Which of the following explains a potentially negative consequence of executive term limits?
A parliamentary system does not divide powers among as many branches of government, so it is more efficient.
Which of the following explains why a country would choose a parliamentary system over a presidential system?
The Guardian Council vets all of the candidates seeking political office in Iran to make sure that all candidates have proper qualifications.
Which of the following expresses the role that the Guardian Council plays in Iran's electoral process, according to the passage?
The Guardian Council and the Supreme Leader
Which of the following have veto power over legislation passed by the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majles) ?
The Guardian Council
Which of the following institutions in Iran has the ultimate authority to assess the compatibility of laws with Islam?
China's Standing Committee of the Politburo and Iran's Guardian Council
Which of the following institutions most limit the exercise of independent legislative power?
The legislature may refuse to pass executive proposed legislation.
Which of the following is a check on the executive in both a presidential and a parliamentary system?
Policy making is slowed because both chambers participate in the policy-making process
Which of the following is a consequence of the bicameral legislature in both Mexico and the United Kingdom?
The doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty remains intact, which means the Supreme Court has limited powers and cannot overturn parliamentary legislation.
Which of the following is a consequence of the establishment of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in 2009 ?
The power of the Majles is limited because the Iranian Constitution created a theocratic state with democratic characteristics, with religious leaders having more power in the system.
Which of the following is a correct explanation of the limited power of the Iranian Majles?
The Russian prime minister may be removed by the president, while the British prime minister may be removed as a result of a vote of no confidence
Which of the following is a difference between the prime minister of Russia and the prime minister of the United Kingdom?
Separate individuals serving as head of state and head of government
Which of the following is a feature shared by the political systems of Great Britain and Russia?
It has the potential to elect more reformers to political office.
Which of the following is a potential implication of the "flood the system" strategy discussed by the authors in the passage for Iran's legislative system?
Commander in chief
Which of the following is a role of the supreme leader and explains why Khamenei has the authority to take the actions described by the authors?
Both countries have popularly elected presidents.
Which of the following is a similarity between the political systems of Mexico and Iran?
A head of state generally serves as the symbolic political representative of the nation, while a head of government is the official responsible for running the government.
Which of the following is an accurate comparison of a head of state and a head of government?
In the United Kingdom, the upper house is not elected, while in Nigeria, the upper house is elected.
Which of the following is an accurate description of a difference in the legislative structures of the countries?
Supreme Court justices are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate
Which of the following is an accurate description of the Mexican judiciary?
The Nigerian president is the head of state and conducts foreign policy.
Which of the following is an accurate description of the executive in Nigeria?
Executive term limits can prevent executives from consolidating power
Which of the following is an accurate explanation of an advantage of executive term limits?
There is no independent judicial review
Which of the following is an accurate feature of the judiciary in China?
The authors would argue that the role that the Guardian Council plays in the Iranian electoral system prevents elections in Iran from being truly competitive.
Which of the following is an argument that the authors would make about elections in Iran, based on the passage?
The legislature can remove the executive without an impeachment proceeding.
Which of the following is an effect of fused executive and legislative branches in parliamentary systems?
Passing laws on policy may be more efficient in parliamentary governments because the legislative and executive branches are fused.
Which of the following is an implication of the author's argument?
The president usually nominates the prime minister, which implies that the prime minister would support the president's policy agenda.
Which of the following is often true about semi-presidential systems?
It mandates that parliamentary elections must occur every five years starting in 2015.
Which of the following is the best description of Great Britain's Fixed-Term Parliaments Act of 2011 ?
The executive branch, which appoints judges, uses the courts to target opposition.
Which of the following is the most substantial cause of the weak judiciary in Russia?
He has the power to appoint half of the members of the Guardian Council
Which of the following is true of Iran's Supreme Leader?
Cabinet members operate more independently of the legislature in a presidential system than in a parliamentary system.
Which of the following is true of a presidential system?
It is a major source of employment within Mexico
Which of the following is true of the bureaucracy in Mexico?
It is a major source of employment within Mexico.
Which of the following is true of the bureaucracy in Mexico?
The legislature must approve cabinet members nominated by the executive.
Which of the following is true of the cabinet in both Mexico and Nigeria?
Greeting new foreign ambassadors
Which of the following is typically a function of the head of state in a parliamentary system?
In both countries, the legislatures approve legislation and oversee the budget.
Which of the following most accurately compares the national legislatures of Iran and the United Kingdom?
Russia and Britain
Which of the following pairs of countries has a bicameral national legislature?
Nigeria and Mexico
Which of the following pairs of countries have a parliamentary bicameral system?
In parliamentary systems, the legislative and executive branches are fused, while in presidential systems they are separate.
Which of the following sets of contrasts is true for all parliamentary and presidential systems?
The supreme leader
Which of the following sets the overall state agenda, serves as commander in chief, and appoints half the Guardian Council and all members of the Expediency Council in Iran?
Even though China and the United Kingdom have parliamentary systems, they differ in how they choose their leadership: there is little competition over the selection of China's premier, while the selection of the United Kingdom's prime minister is competitive.
Which of the following statements accurately compare the parliamentary systems of China and the United Kingdom?
Russia's government uses the judicial system to target opposition, and Islamic Sharia Courts have been established in northern Nigeria.
Which of the following statements best describes the judiciary in Russia and Nigeria?
Supreme courts in both countries can exercise judicial review
Which of the following statements concerning Mexican and Nigerian politics is most accurate?
Both systems have elements of Shari'ah law incorporated into their judicial systems.
Which of the following statements is true with regard to the judicial systems in Nigeria and Iran?
Mr. Callaghan could have worked closer with members of the Labour Party and minor parties to earn support.
Which of the following would have been the most effective way to prevent the Callaghan government from falling in a vote of no confidence?
The majority party in the House of Commons
Who selects the head of the British government?
