Summary of Comparative Political Systems: US, UK, CZ

## Introduction US Politics: A brief overview of fundamental institutions, principles, and major political parties. This material explains how the United States federal republic functions, covering the separation of powers, the roles of Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court, as well as current political challenges. ### What is a Federal Republic? > Federal Republic: A state where power is divided between a central government and individual states, and where governance is based on constitutions and elected representatives. ## Separation of Powers in the USA The United States is founded on the principle of **separation of powers**: legislative, executive, and judicial. This system of checks and balances prevents the concentration of power. ### 1. Legislative Branch — Congress Congress is housed in the U.S. Capitol and is **bicameral** (two-chambered): - **Senate (Upper House)** - 100 senators, exactly 2 from each state - Term: 6 years - The Senate is "continuous" – one-third of its seats are up for election every two years - Ensures equal representation for smaller states - **House of Representatives (Lower House)** - 435 members - Representation based on state population - Term: 2 years (more responsive to voter sentiment) - Key powers of Congress: - Approve the budget and levy taxes - Formally declare war - Legislative initiative (creation of federal laws) > Definition: "Bicameral" means a two-chambered legislative body composed of two separate institutions. ### Practical example: how a federal law is created 1. A bill passes one chamber (e.g., the House). 2. If approved, it goes to the second chamber (the Senate). 3. After approval by both chambers, it goes to the President for signature or veto. ## 2. The Executive Branch — President and Administration The executive power is vested in the President, who serves as both **Head of State** and **Head of Government**. - President: elected for a term (typically 4 years in the U.S.). The President is also the **Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces**. - Vice President: the President's deputy and President of the Senate (with a tie-breaking vote) - Cabinet: the Vice President and department secretaries (heads of 15 executive departments), an advisory body to the President > Definition: "The Cabinet" is a group of the principal officers of the executive branch (secretaries) who advise the President and manage their respective departments. Practical Application: The President signs or vetoes legislation, appoints federal judges (including Supreme Court justices), and represents U.S. foreign policy. ## 3. The Judicial Branch — Courts and the Supreme Court The ultimate authority in the judicial system is the **Supreme Court** (Nejvyšší soud). - Composition: 9 justices appointed for life - Main power: **judicial review** (soudní přezkum), i.e., to declare a law or presidential action unconstitutional > Definition: "Judicial review" is the power of courts to examine the constitutionality of laws or government actions and to overturn those that violate the Constitution. Practical example: If Congress passes a law that someone challenges, the Supreme Court can decide whether the law complies with the Constitution. ## Political Parties in the USA The USA primarily operates on a two-party system. The main parties are: | Party | Ideological Stance | Key Goals and Positions | |---|---:|---| | Democratic Party | Center-left | Social programs, economic regulation, higher taxes on the wealthy, support for healthcare, protection of minority rights, environmental policy | | Republican Party | Center-right | Lower taxes, reduced regulation, individual liberties, traditional values, stricter immigration policy, support for energy extraction | - Democrats: advocate for a broader role of government in the economy and social policy, support abortion rights, gun control, and the climate and energy transition - Republicans: prefer limited government interven