Political Institutions in Comparative Perspective Glossary

Mexican constitutional protection against government rights violations.

Iranian 88-member body selecting and overseeing the Supreme Leader.

Transfer of powers from central to regional bodies.

Constitutional division of sovereignty between central and regional governments.

Iranian 12-member body vetting candidates and reviewing legislation.

Courts free from political pressure by other branches.

Iran 290-member legislature; laws subject to Guardian Council veto.

China highest legislative body; ratifies CCP decisions.

Executive drawn from and accountable to legislature.

Ruling party and state apparatus institutionally merged.

Top CCP decision-making body, typically 7 members.

Separately elected executive and legislature, fixed terms.

Directly elected president plus PM accountable to legislature.

Mexico six-year presidential term, no reelection.

Ultimate authority rests with central government.

Legislature forces executive resignation by withdrawing support.