AP Comparative Government and Politics Flashcards: Comparing Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is a primary reason presidential systems have more institutional obstacles to policy-making?
Presidential systems have more obstacles because their powers are divided between the executive and legislative branches, creating more checks and balances.
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What is a primary reason presidential systems have more institutional obstacles to policy-making?
Presidential systems have more obstacles because their powers are divided between the executive and legislative branches, creating more checks and balances.
Do parliamentary systems have checks on the executive branch?
Yes, although they have fewer policy obstacles than presidential systems, parliamentary systems have their own checks on the executive branch.
Which system of government typically has fewer institutional obstacles to enacting policy?
Parliamentary systems generally have fewer institutional obstacles to enact policy when compared to presidential systems.
List two checks on the executive branch that are available in a parliamentary system.
Two available checks include the ability to censure cabinet ministers and the power to refuse to pass executive-proposed legislation.
A prime minister's party controls parliament and wants to pass a law quickly. Why is this generally easier than for a president in a system with a divided legislature?
It is easier because parliamentary systems have fewer institutional obstacles, unlike presidential systems which have divided branch powers that can slow or block legislation.
Identify a check on executive power in a parliamentary system related to the timing of elections.
Parliaments can impose time deadlines on the executive for calling new elections, limiting the executive's control over the electoral calendar.
How can a parliament hold the executive accountable through direct interaction?
A parliament can hold the executive accountable by questioning the executive and cabinet ministers about their decisions and policies.
If a parliament holds a vote of disapproval against a specific cabinet minister for their actions, what is this check on power called?
This is an example of censure, where parliaments may formally express disapproval of or discipline cabinet ministers.
Identify one way a parliament can check the executive's legislative power.
A parliament can check the executive by refusing to pass legislation that the executive branch has proposed.
What is the core difference in institutional relations between parliamentary and presidential systems?
The core difference is that presidential systems have divided branch powers, while parliamentary systems do not, leading to different checks and balances.