Government Structures and Systems Politics 101

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Government Structures and Systems Politics 101
The National Democratic Institute
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Introductions/Ground rules

• Introductions
• Ground Rules
• Ice Breaker Exercise

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Objectives

• To understand the various divisions and levels of
  government and their roles/ responsibilities
• To learn how to address issues of importance in
  your community

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Government Structures Topics

• Constitutional framework
• Divisions of government and roles
• Parliamentary and presidential systems
• Roles of elected and political leaders
• Women in government

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Key Terms

• Politics
• Governance
• Executive
• Legislative
• Judiciary
• Checks and balances

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CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

• What is a constitution?
• What is its role?
• Who must obey it?

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GENDER SENSITIVE CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS

• A blanket equality clause
• CEDAW and human rights treaties
• Full and equal citizenship
• Full and equal inheritance and land rights
• Political quotas across sectors
• Temporary special measures

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POLITICAL SYSTEMS

• Unified system vs. dual system
• President
• Head of government

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PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEMS

• President
• Generally popularly elected
• 27 women presidents from 22 countries

Photo Week of Women, NDI
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PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEMS

• Prime minister
• Path to power is through party and coalition
  governments

Photo Julia Gillard, photograph by Glen
McCurtayne for The Sydney Morning Herald
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DIVISIONS OF GOVERNMENT

• Executive
• Judicial
• Legislative

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EXECUTIVE BRANCH

• Head of State
• Head of Government
• Cabinet
• Ministries

• Oversees implementation of laws and
  administration of the country
• Women in the executive branch

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JUDICIAL BRANCH

• Interprets constitution and laws
• Administers justice in resolving disputes
• Promotes the rule of law
• Independent

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WOMEN AND JUDICIAL BRANCH

• Lack of access to the judicial system
• Lack of women in the judiciary
• Discriminatory laws and judicial systems

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LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

• National legislature
• - Upper and lower house
• Local legislative bodies

Photo National Democratic Institute
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ROLES OF POLITICAL ACTORS

• Constituency
• Government
• Political parties and coalitions
• Special interest groups

Photo Marie-Ève_NDI-Pakistan
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ROLES OF LEGISLATORS

• Legislator
• Committee member
• Public servant
• Party member

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ROLES OF LEGISLATORS

• Legislator
• Analyze legislation
• Lawmaking
• Budgeting
• Committee member
• Committee work
• Public hearings
• Oversight of government

Photo National Democratic Institute, Sierra
Leone
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ROLES OF LEGISLATORS

• Public servant
• Constituent relations
• Outreach to constituency
• Party member
• Parties in parliament
• Parliamentary groups and caucuses
• Dealing with opponents/opposition

Photo National Democratic Institute, Cambodia
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LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT

• Oversees local administration of
• Services (medical, education, etc.)
• Policies
• Local taxes and budgets
• Should respond to citizens needs and involve
  them in decisions

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LOCAL LEVEL LEGISLATORS
Local government administration
Citizens
Local councilors are the link

• Represent/advocate for community
• Maintain transparency
• Encourage inclusive policies

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EXERCISE

• Handling issues at the local level

Photo Tassos C, NDI
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WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT
Photo Amy Hamelin, NDI
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GOVERNMENT STRUCTURES REVIEW

• Constitutional framework
• Divisions of government and roles
• Parliamentary and presidential systems
• Roles of elected and political leaders
• Women in government
• Questions?
• Feedback?