Parliaments Flashcards
what are the two main legislative bodies?
-parliaments
-legislatures
what are parliaments?
legislative bodies in parliamentary systems of government (Europe)
what are legislatures?
legislative bodies in presidential systems of government (USA, Russia, Latin America)
what are the three main functions of parliaments/legislatures?
- representation
- control and oversight
- legislation and policymaking
what is meant by representation as a function of parliaments/legislatures?
-linkage
-representing
-debate
what does the function of control and oversight of parliaments/legislatures refer to?
activities by which parliament monitors the functioning of the executive branch
what is one way of parliaments/legislatures to achieve control?
vote of no confidence
what are some ways of parliaments/legislatures to achieve oversight?
-questioning the government
-special hearings
-budget control
what are the two types of legislative powers in the context of “legislation and policymaking” as a function of parliaments/legislatures?
negative powers and positive powers
what are negative powers of parliaments/legislatures?
-expressing opinions
-delaying legislation
-vetoing legislation
what are positive powers of parliaments/legislatures?
-amendment of legislation
-initiation of legislation
what is filibuster?
a tactic to delay or kill a legislation through long speeches that prolong debates
what are the three main factors that constitute the structure of parliaments/legislatures?
- number of chambers
- parliamentary committees
- members
what are the different types of parliaments/legislatures based on the number of chambers?
-unicameral parliament (has only one house)
-bicameral parliament (has two houses)
what are some examples of unicameral parliaments?
Sweden, Norway, Denmark