Executive Systems

William Gray
8 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers the executive branch across six countries: the UK, Russia, Iran, Nigeria, China, and Mexico. It defines key terms like Head of State, Head of Government, Prime Minister, and Cabinet. The guide details the structure and function of the executive branch in each country, comparing them in a chart. It emphasizes the impact of regime type on executive power and provides practice multiple-choice and free-response questions.
#AP Comparative Government: Executive Branch Deep Dive ๐
Hey there, future AP Gov superstar! Let's get you prepped for the exam with a supercharged review of the executive branch across our six course countries. Think of this as your ultimate cheat sheet, designed to make everything click the night before the big day. Let's dive in!
#Topic 2.3: Executive Systems - Power & Structure โ๏ธ
Remember, AP Comp Gov is all about the vocab! Let's nail down those key terms first. ๐๏ธ If you haven't checked out Unit 1 yet, make sure to do so! ๐
๐ Read: AP Comp GovโUnit 1 Study Guide
#Key Terms ๐
- Head of Government: The executive leader (like a Prime Minister or President) responsible for day-to-day policy.
- Head of State: Represents the nation in ceremonial functions (can also have formal powers).
- Commander in Chief: Top official in charge of military decisions.
- Prime Minister: Leader of the legislature and head of government in parliamentary systems.
- Executive Cabinet: Top officials who help formulate and implement policies.
- Civil Service: Permanent government employees who implement laws and regulations.
#Executive Branch: Structure and Function ๐
We'll explore each country, focusing on the structure and function of their executive branch. Then, we'll compare them all in a handy chart. ๐
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๐ฌ๐ง United Kingdom (UK)
- Head of State: The Monarch ๐ (hereditary) is largely ceremonial with little formal power. ๐คด
- Head of Government: The Prime Minister (leader of the majority party in Parliament), appointed by the monarch, leads the legislature and cabinet. ๐๏ธ
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๐ท๐บ Russia
- System: Semi-presidential.
- Head of State: The directly elected ๐ณ๏ธ President ๐คต๐ฝ is also the Commander in Chief ๐ฎ๐พโโ๏ธ, appoints ministers, conducts foreign policy, and can preside over the Duma.
- Head of Government: The Prime Minister oversees the civil service.
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๐ฎ๐ท Iran
- Head of State: The Supreme Leader ๐จโ๐ผ (not elected by the people), is the religious and political authority, and Commander in Chief. ๐
- Head of Government: The President (elected by the people) oversees the civil service and foreign policy. This is a key difference from the UK, where the head of state has little power.
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๐ณ๐ฌ Nigeria
- System: Presidential.
- Head of State & Government: The directly elected ๐ณ๏ธ President ๐จโ๐ผ is both, serving as chief executive, commander in chief, and h...

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