The Context for Policy-Making: Central Institutions and Actors - National institutions: defining the rules of the political game - Divisions of power

7 important questions on The Context for Policy-Making: Central Institutions and Actors - National institutions: defining the rules of the political game - Divisions of power

What are the horizontal divisions of power and which two are the principal actors in the process of policy making?

The executive, legislature and the judiciary powers. The executive and the legislature are the principal actors in the process of policy making?

What is the role of the executive branch?

The government. In charge of implementing public policy + has the authority to control the bureaucracy.

What is the role of the legislature?

The parliament.  Has the ability to make legislation. Often consists of two houses (lower and upper).
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What is the role of the judiciary?

Various levels of courts that interpret and apply the law + resolving disputes. Independent. The judiciary can influence policy making through their sentencing.

What are the vertical divisions of power?

Division between the state as a whole and its geographically defined constituent units (federalism -> to help prevent abuse of power).

What is the main criterion for determining if a state is federal or unitary?

The division between the national and subnational levels of government (as defined in the constitution).

Why is a federalist system better than a unitary system in terms of policy making? And what are the problems with it?

Decision-makers at the subnational level have a better understanding of regional problems than in unitary states.
+ policies that work in one unit might spread to other units.

Problems: two levels need to seek compromises (can delay policy reforms). Speed of decision-making will decrease.

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