#AP Comparative Government: Unit 2 Study Guide - Political Institutions

Hey! Let's get ready to ace this exam. We're diving into Unit 2, but first, a quick recap of Unit 1. Remember, Unit 1 was our 'how-to' guide for comparing the course countries (UK, Russia, Iran, Mexico, China, and Nigeria). Now, Unit 2 is all about the specific structures and functions of their governments. Think of it like this: Unit 1 gave us the lens, and Unit 2 gives us the details. Let's make this stick!

#Unit 1 Flashback: Setting the Stage

Before we dive deep, let's quickly remember the big picture from Unit 1. We're comparing how different countries organize their governments, focusing on the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. If you've taken AP US Government, you'll recognize some of these concepts!

#Key Branches in Action

The White House, home of the President, is an example of an executive branch.

Capitol Hill, home to the Senate and House of Representatives in the United States, is an example of the legislative branch.

Supreme Court of the United States is an example of the judicial branch.

#Unit 2: Political Institutions - The Main Event

Unit 2 is all about understanding the different types of political systems and how they function in our course countries. According to the Course Exam and Description (CED), here's how we'll break it down:

#Big Idea 1: Comparing Political Systems

• Parliamentary Systems: 🏛️ The legislative branch (parliament) chooses the executive (prime minister). Think of it like the parliament is the boss and the PM is their chosen leader. The UK is a prime example.
• Presidential Systems: 👑 The executive (president) is separate from the legislative and judicial branches. The president is both head of state and head of government. Mexico and Nigeria are good examples.
• Semi-Presidential Systems: 🤝 A mix of both! There's a president and a prime minister, each with different roles. Russia is a key example here.

Goal: By the end of this unit, you should be able to explain each system and compare them across the course countries. Remember to use those comparison skills from Unit 1! 💪

#Big Idea 2: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches

• Executive Branch: 🧑‍💼 Enforces laws, sometimes proposes them, and manages the bureaucracy. Think of this as the 'doer' of the government. Examples include presidents, prime ministers, and their cabinets.
• Legislative Branch: 🏛️ Makes the laws. This could be a parliament or a congress, often with different political parties. They are the 'lawmakers.'
• Judicial Branch: 👩‍⚖️ Interprets the laws. They are the 'referees' of the legal system, ensuring laws are fair and consistent.

Goal: Understand how each branch is structured and how it wields power in our course countries. How do they check and balance each other? 🏋🏿

#Big Idea 3: Advantages and Disadvantages of Political Systems

• Stability: How well does the system maintain order and avoid chaos? 🤔
• Legitimacy: How much do the people accept the government's authority? Is it seen as fair and just? ⚖️
• Policymaking: How effectively does the system create and implement policies? 📝

Goal: Evaluate the pros and cons of each political system in terms of stability, legitimacy, and policymaking. Can you argue why one system might be better than another in a specific context? 💯

#Key Terms: Your Quick Reference 🔎

Here's a handy list of key terms. If you need a refresher, come back to this:

1. Parliamentary: Legislative controls the executive. Prime Minister chosen by the legislature.
2. Presidential: Executive is separate from the legislative and judiciary. President is both head of government and head of state.
3. Semi-Presidential: Combines elements of parliamentary and presidential. President and Prime Minister with distinct roles.
4. Executive branch: Enforces laws; includes the bureaucracy.
5. Bureaucracy: System of administration for executing laws.
6. Legislative Branch: Lawmaking body, like a parliament or congress.
7. Judicial branch: Interprets and analyzes laws.

#

#Final Exam Focus

Okay, let's focus on what matters most for the exam:

• High-Priority Topics: Political systems (parliamentary, presidential, semi-presidential), the functions of each branch, and the advantages/disadvantages of different systems. These are the big hitters! 🎯
• Common Question Types: Expect MCQs that test your knowledge of each system and its characteristics, FRQs that ask you to compare and contrast systems across countries, and short-answer questions that require you to apply your understanding of these concepts. 📝
• Time Management: Don't spend too long on one question. If you're stuck, move on and come back later. Pace yourself! ⏱️
• Common Pitfalls: Don't mix up the different systems. Pay attention to the specific roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches in each country. Read the questions carefully! ⚠️
• Strategies: Use your knowledge of the course countries to support your arguments. Make sure you can explain the connections between different units. Practice, practice, practice! 🚀

#

• Review your notes: Focus on the key terms and concepts. Don't try to learn everything new the night before. 📚
• Practice questions: Do a few practice questions to get in the zone. ✍️
• Stay calm: You've got this! Take a deep breath and go into the exam with confidence. 🧘

#

Practice Question

Practice Questions

#Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following best describes a parliamentary system of government? (A) The executive is chosen independently of the legislature. (B) The executive is a ceremonial figurehead with no real power. (C) The executive is chosen by the legislature. (D) The executive is directly elected by the people.

2. In a semi-presidential system, which of the following is typically true? (A) The president is the head of government and head of state. (B) The prime minister is the head of state and the president is the head of government. (C) The president and prime minister share executive power. (D) The president is merely a figurehead, with all power held by the prime minister.

3. Which branch of government is primarily responsible for interpreting laws? (A) Executive (B) Legislative (C) Judicial (D) Bureaucracy

#Free Response Question

Prompt: Compare and contrast the executive branches in a parliamentary system and a presidential system. In your response, be sure to:

• Define the key characteristics of each system.
• Describe the roles and responsibilities of the executive in each system.
• Discuss at least one advantage and one disadvantage of the executive branch in each system.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Point 1: Definition of Parliamentary System (1 point)
  • Award 1 point for a correct definition of a parliamentary system, such as one where the executive is chosen by and accountable to the legislature.
• Point 2: Definition of Presidential System (1 point)
  • Award 1 point for a correct definition of a presidential system, such as one where the executive is separate from the legislature and directly elected.
• Point 3: Role of Executive in Parliamentary System (1 point)
  • Award 1 point for correctly describing the role of the executive (e.g., prime minister) in a parliamentary system, including their selection by the legislature and their role as head of government.
• Point 4: Role of Executive in Presidential System (1 point)
  • Award 1 point for correctly describing the role of the executive (e.g., president) in a presidential system, including their direct election and their role as both head of state and head of government.
• Point 5: Advantage of Executive in Parliamentary System (1 point)
  • Award 1 point for identifying an advantage of the executive in a parliamentary system, such as greater government efficiency due to alignment with the legislature.
• Point 6: Disadvantage of Executive in Parliamentary System (1 point)
  • Award 1 point for identifying a disadvantage of the executive in a parliamentary system, such as potential instability due to votes of no confidence.
• Point 7: Advantage of Executive in Presidential System (1 point)
  • Award 1 point for identifying an advantage of the executive in a presidential system, such as greater stability due to a fixed term in office.
• Point 8: Disadvantage of Executive in Presidential System (1 point)
  • Award 1 point for identifying a disadvantage of the executive in a presidential system, such as potential gridlock between the executive and legislative branches.

Let's do this! You've got the knowledge, now go show it off! 💪