Glossary
Accountability
The principle that individuals, organizations, and the government are responsible for their actions and decisions, and are subject to scrutiny and consequences.
Example:
When a government official resigns due to public outcry over a scandal, it demonstrates the importance of accountability in maintaining public trust.
Assembly of Experts
A deliberative body of 88 mujtahids (Islamic scholars) in Iran, responsible for electing and, theoretically, supervising and removing the Supreme Leader.
Example:
While it has never happened, the Assembly of Experts in Iran possesses the constitutional power to remove the Supreme Leader if deemed necessary.
Checks and Balances
A system in which different branches of government have the authority to limit each other's powers, preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful.
Example:
In the United States, the legislative branch's power to impeach the president is a classic example of checks and balances in action.
Constitutional Court
A high court that interprets the constitution and ensures that laws and government actions comply with it, often playing a role in executive removal processes.
Example:
In Russia, the Constitutional Court must confirm the legality of the impeachment charges against the president before removal can occur.
Duma
The lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, responsible for initiating legislation and playing a key role in the impeachment process.
Example:
A petition signed by one-third of the Duma is required to begin the impeachment proceedings against the Russian President.
Executive Removal
The process by which a country's head of government or head of state is formally removed from office before their term expires.
Example:
The concept of executive removal is vital in democracies to ensure leaders are held responsible for their actions and prevent abuses of power.
Federation Council
The upper house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, which must approve the impeachment of the president after it has been initiated by the Duma.
Example:
For the Russian President to be impeached, the Federation Council must give its approval, acting as a check on the lower house.
Fused Power
A system where the executive and legislative branches are combined, often seen in parliamentary systems where the executive is drawn from the legislature.
Example:
The United Kingdom's system, where the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers are also members of Parliament, exemplifies fused power.
Gross Misconduct
Serious wrongdoing or unacceptable behavior by a public official that warrants disciplinary action, often a prerequisite for impeachment or removal.
Example:
In Nigeria, the impeachment of the President requires a two-thirds vote in both legislative houses based on charges of gross misconduct.
Impeachment Process
A formal procedure by which a legislative body charges a public official with misconduct, potentially leading to their removal from office.
Example:
In Russia, the impeachment process for the president involves initiation by the Duma, approval by the Federation Council, and confirmation by the Constitutional Court.
Motion of No Confidence
A parliamentary procedure in which members of the legislature vote on whether they still have confidence in the government or a specific minister.
Example:
If the UK Parliament passes a motion of no confidence against the Prime Minister, the government typically must resign or call a general election.
National People's Congress (NPC)
The highest organ of state power in China, which has the authority to elect and remove the President and Premier, though its processes are largely informal.
Example:
The National People's Congress in China holds the power to appoint and remove the President, reflecting the centralized nature of Chinese governance.
Supreme Leader
The highest religious and political authority in Iran, who holds ultimate power over all major state policies and institutions.
Example:
The Supreme Leader in Iran has significant authority, including the power to remove the President, demonstrating the unique power structure of the Iranian government.