Glossary
Collective Responsibility
A principle in parliamentary systems where all cabinet members must publicly support government policy, even if they privately disagree.
Example:
Despite internal debates, the entire UK cabinet must uphold collective responsibility by publicly endorsing the government's new economic policy.
Judicial Branch
The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring their fair application, often culminating in a Supreme Court with final appellate powers.
Example:
The Judicial Branch in India, led by its Supreme Court, has the power of judicial review to strike down laws that violate the constitution.
Legislative Branch
The branch of government responsible for creating laws, imposing taxes, and overseeing the executive, often composed of a bicameral body like a Senate and a Chamber of Deputies.
Example:
In many countries, the Legislative Branch debates and passes new environmental protection laws, reflecting the will of the people through their elected representatives.
Parliamentary System
A democratic system where the party with the most seats in the legislature forms the government, and the leader of that party becomes the head of government.
Example:
In a Parliamentary System, if the Green Party wins the most seats in the national election, their leader would likely become the Prime Minister.
President (Presidential System)
The directly elected head of both state and government in a presidential system, leading the executive branch and serving as commander-in-chief.
Example:
As the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva holds significant executive power and is not directly accountable to the legislature for his position.
President (Semi-Presidential System)
The directly elected head of state in a semi-presidential system, who often shares executive power with a Prime Minister.
Example:
In a Semi-Presidential System, the President might be responsible for appointing the Prime Minister and setting the broad policy agenda, as seen in Russia.
Presidential System
A democratic system where the head of government, the President, leads an executive branch that is separate from the legislative branch.
Example:
The United States operates under a Presidential System, where citizens directly elect the President, who then forms their own cabinet separate from Congress.
Prime Minister
The head of government in a parliamentary system, chosen from the majority party in the legislature, and leading both the executive and legislative branches.
Example:
The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, is also a member of Parliament, demonstrating the intertwined nature of the executive and legislative branches.
Prime Minister (Semi-Presidential System)
The head of government in a semi-presidential system, typically appointed by the President and responsible for day-to-day governance, often with legislative approval.
Example:
Even with a powerful President, the Prime Minister in a semi-presidential system still plays a crucial role in leading the cabinet and implementing domestic policies.
Semi-Presidential System
A dual executive system that combines elements of both presidential and parliamentary systems, featuring both a directly elected President and a Prime Minister.
Example:
France is a classic example of a Semi-Presidential System, where the President handles foreign policy and the Prime Minister manages domestic affairs, though power dynamics can shift.