Pspa Chap 6 - Decision Rules

Decision Rules:

• Embodied in the constitution- the constitutional provisions

- Important because different government agencies work on this basis

- Distribution of power to agencies of government depend on/ stem from the constitution

• UK has no written constitution, but has the customs, conventions and the acts of parliament that form a “constitution”

• The assumption is that there will be no conflict between the 3 branches of government when it comes to policy making

• Voting: inclusive decision making

- Unanimity is the most inclusive form of decision- only takes 1 voter to prevent legislation from passing

- In Lebanon, while the cabinet attempts to find consensus, the constitution states 2/3 majority is needed. This is done to appease the different sects

• Decision rules in political systems defer on 3 dimensions:

1. Separation of government powers

2. Geographic distribution of powers

3. Limitations of government power

Separation of government powers:

• The executive, legislative and judicial branches each have their own powers, outlined in the constitution

• Separation of power could be illustrated in 2 forms of democratic government

1. Presidential: USA

- Each branch of government is elected separately on a fixed term (cannot change in the middle of the term)

- Neither branch can dissolve the other, unless impeached

- Both play a significant role in policy making

- Requires coordination between the branches

2. Parliamentary: UK

- Legislative and executive are inter-dependent

- Only the legislature is directly elected by the people

- The executive usually represents the majority, with the leader of the winning party automatically becoming PM

- The PM then forms his/her cabinet from the legislature

- If there is no majority, then it is a hung parliament

- Terms are not fixed, and the executive can be changed

- The parliament can dismiss the PM provided a no confidence motion is passed