Government Structures and Systems Politics 101 The National

Government Structures and Systems Politics 101 The National Democratic Institute

INTRODUCTIONS/ GROUND RULES • Introductions • Ground Rules • Ice Breaker Exercise

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

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

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

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

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 • •

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

PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEMS • President • Generally popularly elected • 27 women presidents from 22 countries Photo: Week of Women, NDI

PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEMS • Prime minister • Path to power is through party and coalition governments Photo: Julia Gillard, photograph by Glen Mc. Curtayne for The Sydney Morning Herald

DIVISIONS OF GOVERNMENT • Executive • Judicial • Legislative

EXECUTIVE BRANCH ü Head of State ü Head of Government ü Cabinet ü Ministries • Oversees implementation of laws and administration of the country • Women in the executive branch

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

WOMEN AND JUDICIAL BRANCH • Lack of access to the judicial system • Lack of women in the judiciary • Discriminatory laws and judicial systems

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH • National legislature - Upper and lower house • Local legislative bodies Photo: National Democratic Institute

ROLES OF POLITICAL ACTORS • • Constituency Government Political parties and coalitions Special interest groups Photo: Marie-Ève_NDI-Pakistan

ROLES OF LEGISLATORS • • Legislator Committee member Public servant Party member

ROLES OF LEGISLATORS • Legislator • Analyze legislation • Lawmaking • Budgeting • Committee member • Committee work • Public hearings • Oversight of government Photo: National Democratic Institute, Sierra Leone

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

LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT National Provincial Local

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

LOCAL LEVEL LEGISLATORS Citizens Local government administration Local councilors are the link ü Represent/advocate for community ü Maintain transparency ü Encourage inclusive policies

EXERCISE Handling issues at the local level Photo: Tassos C, NDI

WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT Photo: Amy Hamelin, NDI

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