PLS: DSC 251 - World Constitutions
Unit 5: Comparison of Political Systems
Table of Contents
1. Nature of the Constitutions
The constitutional frameworks of the UK, USA, Switzerland, and China vary significantly in terms of their origin, form, and rigidity.
| Feature | United Kingdom | USA | Switzerland | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Uncodified/Unwritten | Codified/Written | Written | Written |
| Rigidity | Flexible (Simple Majority) | Rigid (Complex Process) | Rigid (Double Majority) | Flexible (State Centralism) |
| Evolution | Centuries of growth | Revolutionary (1787) | Cantonal Evolution | Socialist Revolution |
2. Comparison of Executive Organs
This section explores how executive power is structured and exercised across these four diverse political models.
Types of Executive Systems
- UK (Parliamentary): Dual executive with a titular head (The Crown) and a real head (Prime Minister) who is a member of the legislature.
- USA (Presidential): Single executive who is both head of state and government, elected separately from the legislature.
- Switzerland (Plural): A collegiate body (Federal Council) where seven members share equal power, avoiding the concentration of power in one person.
- China (State Council): An executive body that functions under the strict administrative and policy guidelines of the Communist Party.
3. Comparison of Legislative Organs
The structure and power of the legislative branch differ based on the principle of sovereignty.
Bicameralism vs. Unicameralism
- UK Parliament: Bicameral; The House of Commons is dominant over the House of Lords.
- US Congress: Bicameral; The Senate is exceptionally powerful compared to other upper houses, maintaining a balance with the House of Representatives.
- Swiss Federal Assembly: Bicameral; Both the National Council and the Council of States have exactly equal powers.
- National People's Congress (China): Unicameral; Technically the "highest organ of state power," though it follows Party leadership.
4. Comparison of Judicial Systems
The role of courts in interpreting the law and checking other branches varies significantly.
- USA: Strongest judicial review in the world; Supreme Court can strike down laws of Congress.
- UK: Traditionally no judicial review of primary legislation due to Parliamentary Sovereignty.
- Switzerland: Federal Supreme Court ensures Cantonal laws match Federal law, but its power to review federal laws is limited.
- China: Courts are specialized administrative organs; judicial review of the state's political direction does not exist.
5. Comparison of Party Systems
Parties define the nature of political competition and representation in these countries.
| Country | Type of Party System | Nature of Competition |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Multi-party (Two-dominant) | Competitive / Parliamentary |
| USA | Two-party system | Highly Competitive / Presidential |
| Switzerland | Multi-party system | Consensual / Power-sharing |
| China | One-party system (CPC) | Monopolistic / Leading Role |
6. Direct Democracy and Federalism
The relationship between the center and the regions, and the role of the individual citizen.
- Switzerland: Unique for its Direct Democracy (Referendum and Initiative) and a highly decentralized federal structure where Cantons are powerful.
- USA: Traditional Federalism; a strong division of powers between the Federal government and the States.
- UK & China: Both are Unitary States; though the UK has devolved power, the center remains legally sovereign.
7. Exam Focus and FAQs
Exam Tips
- Matrix Thinking: Always try to visualize these countries as a matrix. If a question asks for a comparison, pick a theme (e.g., Executive) and compare all four.
- Key Distinctions: Remember that Switzerland is the only "Direct Democracy" and "Plural Executive" in the group.
- Party Role: In any question about China, you MUST mention the Communist Party as the ultimate decision-maker.
Common Mistakes
- Do not call the UK system "Presidential" or the US system "Parliamentary."
- Avoid stating that China has a "Separation of Powers"; it explicitly uses "Democratic Centralism".
- Don't forget that the US Senate is an Upper House, unlike the unicameral NPC of China.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which of these systems is the most rigid?
A: The USA and Switzerland are both rigid, but the US system is often considered the most difficult to formally amend.
Q: Is there any commonality between all four?
A: All four possess a formal structure of government (Executive, Legislative, Judicial), though they operate under vastly different philosophies.
Mnemonics
U-U-S-C: The "Four Countries" - UK (Sovereignty), USA (Separation), Switzerland (Direct), China (Centralism).