Comparative politics Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the key structural difference between the UK and US constitutions?
- The US Constitution is codified, entrenched, and based on a clear separation of powers.
- The UK Constitution is uncodified, flexible, and relies on parliamentary sovereignty and conventions.
How do checks and balances operate differently in the US and UK?
- The US has a formal system of checks and balances (e.g., vetoes, judicial review).
- In the UK, checks are weaker due to fusion of powers and the dominance of the executive in Parliament.
Compare devolution in the UK to federalism in the USA.
- UK devolution is asymmetric and can be revoked by Parliament.
- US federalism is constitutionally entrenched, with states having sovereign powers protected by the Tenth Amendment.
Are legislatures equally powerful in the UK and US?
- Congress is independent and powerful due to the separation of powers.
- UK Parliament is sovereign, but the executive’s control of the legislature via party discipline limits its independence.
Compare the powers of the UK Prime Minister and US President.
- The US President is both head of state and government, with fixed terms and veto powers.
- The UK PM is head of government only and depends on parliamentary support and party loyalty.
How does executive-legislature relationship differ in the UK and US?
- The US President operates independently of Congress.
- The UK PM sits in Parliament and can dominate it if they control a majority.
Which executive is more accountable: UK PM or US President?
- The UK PM can be removed by a vote of no confidence and is questioned weekly.
- The US President is harder to remove but faces midterms, judicial review, and potential impeachment.
How do the US and UK Supreme Courts differ in their power?
- US SCOTUS can strike down laws via constitutional judicial review.
- UK Supreme Court can issue declarations of incompatibility under the Human Rights Act but cannot override Parliament.
Which judiciary is more independent: UK or US?
- US judges are appointed for life and structurally independent.
- UK judges are independent in practice but limited by parliamentary sovereignty.
Compare electoral systems in the UK and USA.
- Both use FPTP in main elections, favouring two-party systems.
- The UK also uses proportional systems (e.g., AMS, STV) in devolved elections, unlike the US.
Why does the US have a two-party system, while the UK is moving toward a multi-party system?
- The US has institutional and electoral barriers to third parties.
- UK devolution and PR systems have allowed regional and smaller parties to gain influence.
Compare party unity in the UK and USA.
- UK parties exhibit high discipline due to whips and leadership control.
- US parties are more fragmented, with members voting independently and varied ideologies.
Compare campaign finance in the UK and USA.
- The US allows unlimited independent spending (e.g., Super PACs).
- The UK restricts spending and donations to maintain fairness and transparency.
How does pressure group influence differ between the UK and US?
- US groups have more access points and influence through campaign finance and lobbying.
- UK groups focus on insider status and access to ministers and committees.
Why are US pressure groups more powerful than UK ones?
- Due to federalism, separation of powers, and weak party discipline
- US pressure groups can exert more sustained influence across institutions.
Compare civil rights protections in the UK and US.
- US rights are constitutionally entrenched (e.g., Bill of Rights)
- while UK rights derive from the HRA 1998 and can be repealed by Parliament.
How do civil rights campaigns differ in the UK and USA?
- US campaigns use litigation, federal lobbying, and mass protest (e.g., BLM).
- UK campaigns focus on legal challenges, lobbying MPs, and media pressure (e.g., Stonewall).
Are civil rights more secure in the US or UK?
- US rights are entrenched but can be limited by courts.
- UK rights are more flexible but vulnerable to repeal or reform by Parliament.
