AP Comparative Government and Politics Flashcards: Independent Legislatures
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 are the primary duties of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC)?
The Standing Committee assumes legislative duties when the NPC is not in session, sets the legislative agenda, and interprets the Constitution and laws.
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What are the primary duties of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC)?
The Standing Committee assumes legislative duties when the NPC is not in session, sets the legislative agenda, and interprets the Constitution and laws.
Besides lawmaking, identify one way a legislature can check the power of another branch of government.
Legislatures have the potential to reinforce stability and check power by restricting the power of the executive.
In China, which body would be responsible for supervising the elections of NPC members?
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) is responsible for supervising NPC member elections.
How do institutions like the Guardian Council in Iran or the Politburo Standing Committee in China affect legislative independence?
These powerful institutions constrain the powers of their respective legislatures, which directly limits their legislative independence.
What is the purpose of Iran's Expediency Council?
The Expediency Council is an advisory committee selected by the Supreme Leader to resolve disputes between the Majles and the Guardian Council.
Which institution is considered the actual center of power in the Chinese state?
China's Politburo Standing Committee is the actual center of power in the Chinese state, which constrains the legislature.
Explain the general effect that other governmental institutions can have on a legislature's power.
Legislative powers can be constrained by other governmental institutions and processes, which can negatively affect the legislature's independence.
What is the role of Iran's Guardian Council in relation to the Majles?
The Guardian Council vets candidates and oversees the Majles to make sure its laws comply with Islamic law.
How can legislatures reinforce legitimacy and stability?
Legislatures can reinforce legitimacy by responding to public demand, openly debating policy, facilitating compromise, and restricting the power of the executive.
If Iran's Majles and Guardian Council are in a dispute over a piece of legislation, which body is responsible for resolving it?
Iran's Expediency Council, selected by the Supreme Leader, is responsible for resolving disputes between the Majles and the Guardian Council.