The executive is the branch of government responsible for implementing laws and running the daily administration of the state. These two systems represent the two major global models of executive power.
Britain follows the Westminster Model. It has a dual executive:
Brazil follows the Presidential Model (similar to the USA). It has a single executive:
Both Britain and Brazil have Bi-cameral legislatures (two houses), but their powers and methods of selection differ significantly.
The role of the courts is to interpret the law and protect the constitution.
Britain does not have a tradition of Judicial Review in the same way as the US or India. Because Parliament is sovereign, the courts cannot declare a law "unconstitutional." Instead, they follow the principle of the Rule of Law (A.V. Dicey), ensuring that the executive acts within the powers given to it by Parliament.
Brazil has a strong system of judicial review. The Supreme Federal Court (STF) acts as the guardian of the 1988 Constitution. It can strike down laws passed by Congress if they are found to be unconstitutional.
| Feature | Britain (UK) | Brazil |
|---|---|---|
| Form of Gov. | Constitutional Monarchy | Federal Republic |
| Executive | Parliamentary (Dual) | Presidential (Single) |
| Legislature | Bi-cameral (Unequal houses) | Bi-cameral (Strong Upper House) |
| Sovereignty | Parliamentary Sovereignty | Constitutional Sovereignty |
| Court Power | Rule of Law (No Judicial Review) | Judicial Review (STF) |
Q: What is a "Vote of No Confidence"?
A: It is a parliamentary motion which, if passed, demonstrates that the current government no longer has the support of the majority of the House, forcing its resignation.
Q: Can the Brazilian President dissolve the Congress?
A: No. In a Presidential system, the President cannot dissolve the legislature, nor can the legislature dismiss the President (except through impeachment).
End of Unit 3 Notes | Prepared for DSM 351 | Knowlet