Comparative Politics: UK and US Constitutional Features
- 1. Comparative Method: The comparative method involves studying political systems by contrasting their institutions, processes, and functions to understand similarities, differences, and advance political theory.
Features of UK Constitution
The UK Constitution is unwritten, flexible, and founded on conventions, statutes, and judicial decisions. Parliamentary sovereignty is its primary characteristic.
Features of USA Constitution
The US Constitution is written, rigid, and federal. It establishes the separation of powers and checks and balances.
Two Powers of UK Prime Minister
The Prime Minister appoints and removes ministers and controls government policy as the head of the Cabinet.
Two Powers of USA President
The President acts as the Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, and appoints high officials.
Two Political Traditions of UK
Parliamentary sovereignty and the Rule of Law are major traditions ensuring democracy and legal equality.
Removal of Judges of US Supreme Court
Judges are removed through impeachment by the House followed by a trial in the Senate.
Federal Features of USA Constitution
Powers are divided between the federal government and the states, and the Constitution holds supreme authority.
Main Political Parties of USA
The Democratic Party and the Republican Party.
Pressure Groups of UK & USA
Pressure groups are organized bodies that influence government policies while operating outside formal political parties.
Rule of Law in UK
The Rule of Law signifies equality before the law and the supremacy of law; no individual is above the law.
American Bill of Rights
It guarantees fundamental freedoms, such as speech, religion, and press, thereby protecting individual liberty.
Supreme Court of USA
It is the highest judicial body responsible for interpreting the Constitution and exercising judicial review.
Federal System of USA
Powers are divided between the Centre and the States, with the Constitution being supreme.
Parliamentary Government of UK
In the parliamentary system, the executive branch is directly responsible to Parliament.
Powers of Cabinet in UK
The Cabinet formulates policy, manages administration, and is collectively responsible to Parliament.
Crown in UK
The Crown serves as the nominal head, while real powers are exercised by the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Judicial Review in USA
Courts possess the authority to declare laws unconstitutional to uphold the Constitution.
Party System of UK
A two-party system, dominated by the Labour and Conservative parties, ensures political stability.
Magna Carta
Signed in 1215, the Magna Carta limited the powers of the King and reinforced the Rule of Law.
Monarchy in UK
The UK operates under a constitutional monarchy where the monarch reigns but does not rule.
Evolutionary Tradition of UK
The British Constitution developed gradually without reliance on a single written document.
Tradition of Conventions
The UK Constitution relies heavily on conventions and customs that guide political behaviour.
Institution of Monarchy & Limited Monarchy
Monarchy signifies rule by a king or queen, whereas limited monarchy implies restricted governmental powers.
Supremacy of Parliament
Parliament is the highest law-making authority; no court can override its legislation.
Bicameral Parliament of UK
It comprises the House of Lords and the House of Commons, ensuring checks and balance.
Liberal Democracy
It is founded upon free elections, the Rule of Law, and the protection of fundamental rights.
Two-Party System of UK
Dominated by the Labour and Conservative parties, this system provides political stability.
King and Crown
The King holds a symbolic role; real authority is exercised by the elected government in the name of the Crown.
House of Lords
The upper house responsible for revising and delaying legislation.
House of Commons
The lower and most powerful house, controlling finance and the executive.
Election & Position of US President
Elected indirectly via the Electoral College, the President is both head of state and head of government.
American Senate
The upper house of Congress, consisting of two senators representing each state.
House of Representatives
Represents the people and has a two-year term.
Interest Groups of USA
Organized groups that influence public policy to protect specific interests.
Functions of Interest Groups
They influence legislation and public opinion, acting as a link between people and government.
Two Political Parties of USA
The Democratic Party and the Republican Party.
Functions of UK Party System
Parties form the government and opposition, ensuring accountability within the system.
Characteristics of US Federal System
Key features include the division of powers, a written Constitution, and an independent judiciary.
Pressure Groups
They strengthen democracy by influencing government policies without contesting elections.