Political Institutions in Comparative Perspective Cheat Sheet

The core ideas of Political Institutions in Comparative Perspective distilled into a single, scannable reference — perfect for review or quick lookup.

PiqCue — piqcue.com/political-institutions-comparative/cheatsheet

Quick Reference

Parliamentary System

A system where the executive is drawn from and accountable to the legislature.

Presidential System

Separate election of executive and legislature, fixed terms, separation of powers.

Semi-Presidential System

A hybrid: directly elected president plus PM accountable to legislature.

Theocratic Overlay

Religious authority institutions layered over elected structures.

Federalism vs. Unitarism

Federalism divides sovereignty between central and regional governments. Unitary concentrates at center.

Judicial Independence

Courts can rule against government without political interference.

Party-State Fusion

Ruling party and state apparatus institutionally merged.

Key Terms at a Glance

Parliamentary System:Executive drawn from and accountable to legislature.

Presidential System:Separately elected executive and legislature, fixed terms.

Semi-Presidential System:Directly elected president plus PM accountable to legislature.

Vote of No Confidence:Legislature forces executive resignation by withdrawing support.

Guardian Council:Iranian 12-member body vetting candidates and reviewing legislation.

Assembly of Experts:Iranian 88-member body selecting and overseeing the Supreme Leader.

National People Congress:China highest legislative body; ratifies CCP decisions.

Politburo Standing Committee:Top CCP decision-making body, typically 7 members.

Sexenio:Mexico six-year presidential term, no reelection.

Devolution:Transfer of powers from central to regional bodies.

Federalism:Constitutional division of sovereignty between central and regional governments.

Unitary System:Ultimate authority rests with central government.

Judicial Independence:Courts free from political pressure by other branches.

Amparo:Mexican constitutional protection against government rights violations.

Party-State Fusion:Ruling party and state apparatus institutionally merged.

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