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G overnment Structures and Systems Politics 101

This introduction covers the constitutional framework, divisions of government, political systems, roles of elected leaders, and the importance of women in government. Learn how to address community issues effectively and participate in local governance.

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G overnment Structures and Systems Politics 101

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  1. Government Structures and Systems Politics 101 The National Democratic Institute

  2. Introductions/Ground rules • Introductions • Ground Rules • Ice Breaker Exercise

  3. 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

  4. Government Structures Topics • Constitutional framework • Divisions of government and roles • Parliamentary and presidential systems • Roles of elected and political leaders • Women in government

  5. Key Terms • Politics • Governance • Executive • Legislative • Judiciary • Checks and balances

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

  7. 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

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

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

  10. 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

  11. DIVISIONS OF GOVERNMENT • Executive • Judicial • Legislative

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  19. 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

  20. LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT

  21. 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

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

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

  24. WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT Photo: Amy Hamelin, NDI

  25. 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?

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