Practice Test 9

Passage: A political system describes the broad institutional framework for making and enforcing decisions. A regime describes the rules and norms for selecting leaders and limiting authority (Democratic, Authoritarian, or Hybrid). A government is the current set of officials and agencies carrying out policy.

Scenario—Applying concepts: Two countries share a similar political system with an elected legislature, executive agencies, and national courts. However, Country F allows open party competition and independent media, while Country G restricts major opposition parties and limits press coverage during campaigns. Both still collect taxes, provide security, and deliver public services.

Purpose and function: Systems organize governing institutions; regimes shape competition and constraints; governments implement decisions. (Britannica, accessed 2025; Freedom House, 2024.)

Which of the following best describes the difference between a political system and a regime?

Passage: A political system is the overall arrangement of institutions for making and enforcing decisions. A regime is the rule set that shapes who governs and how power is exercised. A government is the current set of leaders.

Scenario—Presidential vs. Parliamentary: In a Presidential system, the executive is separately elected from the legislature for a fixed term; separation of powers is emphasized. In a Parliamentary system, the executive (prime minister and cabinet) is drawn from the legislature and must maintain legislative confidence; terms may end early through a no-confidence vote. The United States is Presidential; the United Kingdom is Parliamentary.

Purposes: Both systems aim to create legitimate authority, pass laws, and provide accountability, but they use different mechanisms. (Inter-Parliamentary Union, "Parliaments," 2024.)

According to the passage, how does a presidential system differ from a parliamentary system?