Comparative Mechanisms: Checks, Balances, and Removal
Advanced
Focuses on the specific institutional mechanisms for checks, balances, and the removal of officials. Compares impeachment, votes of no confidence, snap elections, cohabitation, and other key procedural tools in different systems.
Comparative Mechanisms: Checks, Balances, and Removal
1 of 11
What is a 'vote of no confidence'?
A procedure used exclusively in parliamentary systems where the legislature votes on its support for the current government. If the vote fails (a vote 'of no confidence'), the prime minister and their cabinet must resign or call a new election.
What is 'impeachment'?
A formal process, typically in presidential systems, where the legislature brings charges of serious misconduct against a public official. Impeachment is the charging phase, which is followed by a trial and a vote on removal from office.
What is the key difference between a vote of no confidence and impeachment?
A vote of no confidence is a political process about whether the government is competent to lead. Impeachment is a legal/criminal process about whether an official has committed 'high crimes and misdemeanors'.
What is a 'snap election'?
An election called earlier than the scheduled date. In many parliamentary systems, the Prime Minister has the power to call a snap election to try to increase their party's majority or seek a mandate for a new policy.
What is 'cohabitation' in a semi-presidential system?
A situation that arises when the president is from one political party while the prime minister and the majority in parliament are from a rival party. This forces them to share executive power. It is a key feature of the French semi-presidential system.
How does cohabitation change the distribution of power in a semi-presidential system?
During cohabitation, the president's power is greatly reduced, focusing mainly on foreign policy and defense. The prime minister, with the support of parliament, gains control over domestic policy and the day-to-day running of the government.
What is an executive 'veto' and how does it function as a check on power?
The power of a president to refuse to sign a bill into law, sending it back to the legislature. It serves as a check on the legislature by allowing the executive to block legislation they oppose, forcing compromise or a supermajority override.
What is a 'line-item veto'?
A special form of veto power that allows an executive to reject specific provisions (lines or items) within a spending bill without vetoing the entire bill. Not all presidents have this power; the US President does not.
What is the purpose of a bicameral legislature in the context of checks and balances?
A second legislative chamber provides an 'intra-branch' check, meaning it checks the power of the first chamber. It slows down the legislative process, encouraging more deliberation and preventing the passage of flawed or hasty laws.
What is a 'constructive vote of no confidence'?
A variation of the vote of no confidence where the legislature cannot remove the current government unless it simultaneously votes in a new government to replace it. This is used in Germany to prevent instability.
How does federalism serve as a check on centralized power?
Federalism divides power geographically between a central (national) government and regional (state) governments. This vertical separation of powers prevents the national government from becoming overly dominant.
