Exploring Political Institutions in Comparative Government

The video reviews Unit 2 of AP Comparative Government and Politics, focusing on political systems, institutions, and government structures. It compares presidential, parliamentary, and semi-presidential systems, highlighting their unique characteristics and differences. The roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches are explored, along with the concept of judicial review. The video concludes with a reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of different political systems.

What are the three main political institutions discussed?

• Executive, Legislative, Judicial

• Education, Health, Transportation

• Economic, Cultural, Social

• Military, Religious, Corporate

Which system allows for a dual executive?

• Federal

• Parliamentary

• Presidential

• Semi-Presidential

In which system are the executive and legislative branches merged?

• Parliamentary

• Presidential

• Semi-Presidential

• Confederal

What is a key feature of political coalitions?

• Individual leadership

• Non-democratic governance

• Multiple parties compromise

• Single party dominance

What can trigger a prime minister to call a snap election?

• Economic crisis

• Vote of no confidence

• Legislative deadlock

• Judicial review

What is a unique power of the prime minister in a parliamentary system?

• Veto laws

• Declare war

• Call snap elections

• Appoint judges

Which country uses a semi-presidential system?

• China

• Russia

• United Kingdom

• Mexico

Which type of law system allows judges to interpret laws broadly?

• Common law

• Civil law

• Criminal law

• Statutory law

What is the main function of the judicial branch?

• Enforce laws

• Interpret laws

• Coordinate laws

• Create laws

Which legislative system lacks a check and balance within itself?

• Tricameral

• Bicameral

• Unicameral

• Noncameral