2.1 Institutional Powers and Constraints

Constitutions Structure Power

Every course country's constitution establishes the formal rules for governing, defining institutional powers and constraints. Constitutions can be codified (single written document, e.g., UK's is uncodified) or amended through varying degrees of difficulty. They allocate authority among branches and determine whether power is centralized or shared, shaping how policy is made and enforced.

Executives, Legislatures, and Judiciaries

Executives (heads of state/government) implement laws; legislatures make laws and represent citizens; judiciaries interpret laws and check other branches. In parliamentary systems (UK), executive and legislative power fuse—the PM depends on legislative confidence. In presidential systems (Nigeria, Mexico), powers are separated, with independently elected presidents and fixed terms.

Checks, Balances, and Accountability

Institutions constrain each other through tools like votes of no confidence, judicial review, impeachment, and federalism versus unitary power divisions. Bureaucracies implement policy but can create accountability challenges. The balance between institutional power and constraint affects regime stability, responsiveness, and the potential for either efficient governance or gridlock/authoritarian overreach.

Key terms

Codified constitution

A constitution written in a single formal document (e.g., the U.S. Constitution).

Parliamentary system

A system where executive and legislative powers are fused; the executive (PM) is accountable to and can be removed by the legislature.

Presidential system

A system with separation of powers; the president is independently elected and serves a fixed term separate from the legislature.

Judicial review

The power of courts to evaluate whether laws or government actions are constitutional.

Federalism vs. Unitary system

Federalism divides power between national and regional governments; a unitary system centralizes power at the national level.

Try an AP-style question

In a parliamentary system, the executive is…

1. elected separately
2. chosen by the military
3. appointed by courts
4. drawn from the legislature