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Removal of Executives

William Gray

William Gray

6 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers the crucial topic of executive removal in comparative government, focusing on the why and how of the process. It details specific removal mechanisms in six course countries: United Kingdom, Russia, China, Nigeria, Mexico, and Iran, emphasizing key terms like motion of no confidence and impeachment. The guide also provides memory aids, exam tips, practice multiple-choice questions, and a free-response question with a scoring rubric.

AP Comparative Government: Removal of the Executive - Your Ultimate Study Guide 🚀

Hey there, future AP Gov rockstar! Let's break down how executives get the boot in our course countries. This is a crucial topic, and we're going to make sure you've got it down pat. Let's get started!

Why Bother with Executive Removal? 🤔

Key Concept

The ability to remove an executive is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. It's all about accountability and preventing power grabs. Think of it as the government's emergency brake 🚨. Here's why it matters:

  • Checks and Balances: Prevents abuse of power by any one leader.
  • Accountability: Holds leaders responsible for their actions.
  • Public Trust: Can restore faith in government when leaders are held accountable.
  • Serious Misconduct: Usually reserved for significant breaches of conduct.
Memory Aid

Remember "CARP" - Checks, Accountability, Restores Trust, Prevent Abuse. This is the core purpose of executive removal.

Country-Specific Removal Mechanisms 🌍

Let's dive into the specifics for each of our course countries. We'll break it down nice and easy.

1. United Kingdom 🇬🇧

  • Fused Power: The UK has a fused executive and legislative branch.
  • Motion of No Confidence: The Prime Minister can be removed if the legislature passes a motion of no confidence.
  • Consequences: If defeated, the government must resign or call a general election.
  • Example: James Callaghan's government fell after losing a no-confidence vote in 1979.
    Memory Aid

Think of the UK as a "Confidence Coaster" - when confidence dips, the PM is out!

2. Russia 🇷🇺

  • Impeachment Process: The legislature can impeach the President.
  • Initiation: Requires a petition signed by 1/3 of the Duma (lower house).
  • Approval: Must be approved by the Federation Council (upper house) and the Constitutional Court.
  • Succession: If impeached, the Vice-President becomes President.
  • Historical Note: Boris Yeltsin faced three unsuccessful impeachment attempts.
Memory Aid

Remember "DCC" - Duma initiates, Council approves, Court confirms. This is the Russian impeachment process.

3. China 🇨🇳

  • National People's Congress (NPC): Has the power to remove the President.
  • Informal Process: No formal, clearly defined process.
  • Replacement: If the President or Premier leaves office, the NPC appoints a replacement.
Memory Aid

Think of China's process as "NPC Picks" - the NPC decides who steps up when a leader is removed.

4. Nigeria 🇳🇬

  • Legislative Impeachment: The legislature can impeach the President.
  • Gross Misconduct: Requires a 2/3 vote in both the lower and upper houses.
  • Historical Example: Only happened once, in 1993, with President Sheshu Shagari.
Memory Aid

Remember "Two-Thirds Trouble" - Nigeria needs 2/3 of both houses for impeachment.

5. Mexico 🇲🇽

  • Constitutional Impeachment: The Constitution allows for impeachment.
  • Congressional Approval: Requires 2/3 approval from both the lower and upper houses of Congress.
  • Historical Note: Luis Echeverría was voted for removal by the lower house in 1976, but the process failed in the upper house.
Memory Aid

Think of Mexico as "Double Two-Thirds" - both houses need 2/3 to impeach.

6. Iran 🇮🇷

  • Supreme Leader Removal: The Assembly of Experts can remove the Supreme Leader, but it has never happened.
  • Unclear Process: The process is not clearly defined.
  • President Removal: The Supreme Leader or the legislature can remove the President.
Memory Aid

Remember "Supreme Power Play" - the Supreme Leader has significant power over executive removal.

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Exam Tip

Pay close attention to the specific processes in each country. The AP exam loves to test your knowledge of these details!

Final Exam Focus 🎯

  • Key Areas: Focus on the UK's motion of no confidence, Russia's impeachment process, and the general mechanisms in Nigeria and Mexico.
  • Common Questions: Expect questions comparing and contrasting the removal processes in different countries.
  • FRQ Tip: When writing FRQs, be sure to use specific examples from each country to support your arguments and use the correct vocab.
Exam Tip
  • Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. Move on and come back if needed.
  • Common Pitfalls: Avoid vague answers. Be specific and use key terms.
  • Strategy: Start with the questions you know best to build confidence.

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions

  1. Which of the following BEST describes the process for removing the executive in the United Kingdom? (A) Impeachment by the House of Lords (B) A vote of no confidence in the legislature (C) A decree by the monarch (D) A public referendum

  2. In which country does the Supreme Leader have the authority to remove the president? (A) China (B) Mexico (C) Iran (D) Russia

Free Response Question

Question: Compare and contrast the processes for removing the executive in two of the following countries: the United Kingdom, Russia, and Nigeria. In your response, be sure to:

  • Define the concept of executive removal.
  • Describe the specific processes in each of the two chosen countries.
  • Analyze the similarities and differences in these processes.

Scoring Rubric:

  • Definition of Executive Removal (1 point): A clear definition of the concept, such as the mechanisms to remove a leader for misconduct or loss of confidence.
  • Description of UK Process (1 point): Accurate description of the motion of no confidence and its consequences.
  • Description of Russia/Nigeria Process (1 point): Accurate description of the impeachment process or the 2/3 vote requirement.
  • Comparison (1 point): A clear comparison of the similarities, such as the role of the legislature in some cases.
  • Contrast (1 point): A clear contrast of the differences, such as the different thresholds for removal.

Alright, you've got this! You're now equipped with the knowledge and strategies to tackle any question on executive removal. Go get 'em! 💪

Previous Topic - Executive Term LimitsNext Topic - Legislative Systems

Question 1 of 13

The ability to remove an executive is a crucial part of a healthy democracy primarily because it ensures what? 🤔

Complete control of the executive by the judiciary

The executive can always act without legislative approval

Checks and balances, accountability, and preventing power abuse

The executive has absolute power as long as they are in office