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  1. AP Comparative Government
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Legislative Systems

Noah Scott

Noah Scott

8 min read

Next Topic - Independent Legislatures

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers legislative systems, focusing on unicameral, bicameral, and parliamentary hybrid structures. It examines the benefits of each system and provides examples from six course countries: United Kingdom, Russia, Iran, Mexico, China, and Nigeria. The guide also includes key terms, practice questions, and exam tips covering legislative structure, function, and the balance of power between branches.

#AP Comparative Government: Legislative Branch Study Guide 🏛️

Hey there, future AP Comp Gov expert! 🎉 Let's dive into the legislative systems of our six course countries. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for a quick, effective review the night before the exam. We'll make sure you're not just memorizing facts, but truly understanding how these systems work. Let's get started! 🚀

#Overview of Legislative Systems

The legislative branch is crucial; it makes the laws that shape a country. Let's break down the key terms and then see how they apply in our course countries.

#Key Terms 📇

  • Unicameral: 1️⃣ chamber in the legislature. Think of it as a single lane highway. 🛣️
  • Bicameral: 2️⃣ chambers in the legislature. Imagine a two-lane highway with traffic going in both directions. 🚦
  • Parliamentary Hybrid: A system where the President is directly elected but the Prime Minister is appointed by the legislature (specifically Russia 🇷🇺). It's like a car with both automatic and manual transmission. 🚗

#Benefits of Each System

#Unicameral (🇮🇷 🇨🇳)

  • Simplicity: One set of rules makes it easier for the public to engage. 🧩
  • Efficiency: Less duplication of work and fewer disagreements. 💨
  • Cost Savings: Smaller staff and fewer resources needed. 💰
  • Accountability: Easier to hold candidates responsible without a second chamber. 🧐

#Bicameral (🇬🇧 🇳🇬 🇲🇽)

  • Checks and Balances: Reduces the chance of power abuse. ⚖️
  • Diversity of Viewpoints: Represents a wider range of backgrounds. 🌍
  • Greater Representation: Different chambers can represent different groups. 🗣️
  • Stability: Less likely to have drastic changes, providing predictability. ⚓

#Parliamentary Hybrid (🇷🇺)

  • Stability: President and PM can check each other. 🛡️

  • Responsiveness: More likely to address public concerns with both a PM and President. 👂

Key Concept

Remember, the choice of system impacts the balance of power and the way laws are made.

#Course Country Examples 🌐

Let's explore each country's legislative system, focusing on structure and function. Remember, we're looking for how each system is set up and what it actually does.

#1. United Kingdom 🇬🇧

  • System: Parliamentary, Bicameral

    markdown-image

    https://www.needpix.com/photo/1318846/britain-british-politics-political-system

  • Structure:

    • House of Lords 🏠🤵🏻: Not directly elected. Compo...
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Previous Topic - Removal of ExecutivesNext Topic - Independent Legislatures

Question 1 of 12

Which term describes a legislative body with a single chamber? 🏛️

Bicameral

Unicameral

Parliamentary

Presidential