English Module 1: Government and Citizenship
A government is an institution or a system made of a group of people
that takes care or manages a country or a state. Every government has its own
constitution or a set of fundamental principles that it follows to ensure
effective governance. Τhe government is responsible for the social welfare, law
and order, defence, and financial affairs of the country.
A government is an institution or a system made of a group of people
that takes care or manages a country or a state. Every government has its own
constitution or a set of fundamental principles that it follows to ensure
effective governance. Τhe government is responsible for the social welfare, law
and order, defence, and financial affairs of the country.
In Greece,
the Prime Minister along with the Ministers constitute the Greek Government.
The Prime Minister allocates the Ministers who will be part of the government. The
PM is the head of the government.
In Greece,
the Prime Minister along with the Ministers constitute the Greek Government.
The Prime Minister allocates the Ministers who will be part of the government. The
PM is the head of the government.
In Italy, the Government exercises Executive power, which is led by the Prime Minister, the "President of the Council". Legislative power is vested primarily in the two houses of Parliament and secondarily in the Council of Ministers, which can introduce bills and holds the majority in both houses. In 2020 there are 14 Ministers which specific area and responsibility. The judiciary system is independent of the executive and the legislative branches. The president of the Republic represents the unity of the nation.
In Italy, the Government exercises Executive power, which is led by the Prime Minister, the "President of the Council". Legislative power is vested primarily in the two houses of Parliament and secondarily in the Council of Ministers, which can introduce bills and holds the majority in both houses. In 2020 there are 14 Ministers which specific area and responsibility. The judiciary system is independent of the executive and the legislative branches. The president of the Republic represents the unity of the nation.
Cyprus is a presidential republic. The president is both head of state and government. The Republic of Cyprus is a unitary presidential representative republic, whereby the President of Cyprus is both head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the parliament. Despite joining the EU as a de facto divided island, the whole of Cyprus is EU territory. Turkish Cypriots who have, or are eligible for, EU travel documents are EU citizens. EU law is suspended in areas where the Cypriot government (Government of the Republic) does not exercise effective control. Cyprus has two official languages: Greek and Turkish; only Greek is an official EU language.
Cyprus is a presidential republic. The president is both head of state and government. The Republic of Cyprus is a unitary presidential representative republic, whereby the President of Cyprus is both head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the parliament. Despite joining the EU as a de facto divided island, the whole of Cyprus is EU territory. Turkish Cypriots who have, or are eligible for, EU travel documents are EU citizens. EU law is suspended in areas where the Cypriot government (Government of the Republic) does not exercise effective control. Cyprus has two official languages: Greek and Turkish; only Greek is an official EU language.
Bulgaria is a parliamentary democracy where the prime minister is the head of government and the most powerful executive position. Normally, the prime minister-elect is the leader of the party receiving the most votes in parliamentary elections, although this is not always the case. The directly elected president serves as head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Bulgaria is a parliamentary democracy where the prime minister is the head of government and the most powerful executive position. Normally, the prime minister-elect is the leader of the party receiving the most votes in parliamentary elections, although this is not always the case. The directly elected president serves as head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
In Denmark The Government exercises executive power and governs the country in accordance with the laws enacted by the Parliament. The Danish Government normally comprises of about 20 Ministers and is headed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister determines the composition of the Government with respect to the number of Ministers and their remits. Each Minister has a specific area of responsibility: the Minister for the Environment is responsible for environmental issues, the Minister for Taxation is responsible for matters involving taxation, and so on. Ministerial responsibilities are relatively fixed, but sometimes ministries are combined or remits are changed. The Prime Minister can also appoint new Ministers for policy areas that the Government considers particularly important. In the majority of cases, Ministers are Members of Parliament, but this is not a requirement. If a Minister is appointed, who is not an MP, he or she is may, of course, speak in the Chamber during debates, but is not entitled to vote.
In Denmark The Government exercises executive power and governs the country in accordance with the laws enacted by the Parliament. The Danish Government normally comprises of about 20 Ministers and is headed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister determines the composition of the Government with respect to the number of Ministers and their remits. Each Minister has a specific area of responsibility: the Minister for the Environment is responsible for environmental issues, the Minister for Taxation is responsible for matters involving taxation, and so on. Ministerial responsibilities are relatively fixed, but sometimes ministries are combined or remits are changed. The Prime Minister can also appoint new Ministers for policy areas that the Government considers particularly important. In the majority of cases, Ministers are Members of Parliament, but this is not a requirement. If a Minister is appointed, who is not an MP, he or she is may, of course, speak in the Chamber during debates, but is not entitled to vote.
The constitution of a country (or a state) is a special type of law
document that tells how its government is supposed to work. It tells how the
country's leaders are to be chosen and how long they get to stay in the
government, how new laws are made and old laws are to be changed or removed
based on law, what kind of people are allowed to vote and what other rights
they are guaranteed, and how the constitution can be changed. It is usually
written down and contained within a single document.
Limits
are put on the Government in how much power they have within the Constitution.
On the other hand, countries with repressive or corrupt governments frequently
do not stick to their constitutions or have bad constitutions without giving
freedom to citizens and others. This can be known as dictatorship or simply
"bending the rules".
The constitution of a country (or a state) is a special type of law
document that tells how its government is supposed to work. It tells how the
country's leaders are to be chosen and how long they get to stay in the
government, how new laws are made and old laws are to be changed or removed
based on law, what kind of people are allowed to vote and what other rights
they are guaranteed, and how the constitution can be changed. It is usually
written down and contained within a single document.
Limits
are put on the Government in how much power they have within the Constitution.
On the other hand, countries with repressive or corrupt governments frequently
do not stick to their constitutions or have bad constitutions without giving
freedom to citizens and others. This can be known as dictatorship or simply
"bending the rules".
The popular sovereignty principle is one of the underlying ideas of democracy, and it argues that the source of governmental power (sovereignty) lies with the people (popular). This is based on the concept that government should be for the benefit of its citizens. In particular, the power is exercised by those citizens who have the right to vote, the electorate.
The popular sovereignty principle is one of the underlying ideas of democracy, and it argues that the source of governmental power (sovereignty) lies with the people (popular). This is based on the concept that government should be for the benefit of its citizens. In particular, the power is exercised by those citizens who have the right to vote, the electorate.
Separation of Powers is the idea that a Government's power should be split up between different branches in order to not give one central leader too much power over the law. The typical division is into three branches: a legislature, an executive, and a judiciary.
Separation of powers, therefore, refers to the division of responsibilities into distinct branches of government by limiting any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
Legislative power: the power to make laws. The name used to refer to a legislative body varies by country and though the specific rules for each legislature differ by location, they all aim to serve the same purpose of appointing officials to represent their citizens to determine appropriate legislation for the country.
Executive power: The executive is the power which exercises authority and holds responsibility for the governance of a state. The executive executes and enforces law. The executive consists of a leader(s) of an office or multiple offices. Specifically, the top leadership roles of the executive branch may include the president of the state, the monarch, the prime minister or other ministers.
Judiciary power: The judiciary is the system of courts that interprets and applies the law in the name of the state. Each country has its own judicial system and applies a unique procedure for selecting and appointing judges. The judiciary must be impartial and objective.
Separation of Powers is the idea that a Government's power should be split up between different branches in order to not give one central leader too much power over the law. The typical division is into three branches: a legislature, an executive, and a judiciary.
Separation of powers, therefore, refers to the division of responsibilities into distinct branches of government by limiting any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
Legislative power: the power to make laws. The name used to refer to a legislative body varies by country and though the specific rules for each legislature differ by location, they all aim to serve the same purpose of appointing officials to represent their citizens to determine appropriate legislation for the country.
Executive power: The executive is the power which exercises authority and holds responsibility for the governance of a state. The executive executes and enforces law. The executive consists of a leader(s) of an office or multiple offices. Specifically, the top leadership roles of the executive branch may include the president of the state, the monarch, the prime minister or other ministers.
Judiciary power: The judiciary is the system of courts that interprets and applies the law in the name of the state. Each country has its own judicial system and applies a unique procedure for selecting and appointing judges. The judiciary must be impartial and objective.
Rule of law is the principle whereby all members of a society (including those in government) are considered equally subject to publicly disclosed legal codes and processes. It supports the equality of all citizens before the law and it secures a no arbitrary form of government, and more generally prevents the arbitrary use of power.
Rule of law is the principle whereby all members of a society (including those in government) are considered equally subject to publicly disclosed legal codes and processes. It supports the equality of all citizens before the law and it secures a no arbitrary form of government, and more generally prevents the arbitrary use of power.
Welfare state is the state which provides protection and promotion of the economic and social well-being of citizens. It is based on the principles of equality of opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth, and public responsibility for those unable to avail themselves of the minimal provisions for a good life. The welfare state also usually includes public provision of basic education, health services, and housing (in some cases at low cost or without charge).
Welfare state is the state which provides protection and promotion of the economic and social well-being of citizens. It is based on the principles of equality of opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth, and public responsibility for those unable to avail themselves of the minimal provisions for a good life. The welfare state also usually includes public provision of basic education, health services, and housing (in some cases at low cost or without charge).
Political party is a group of persons who have the same ideology or the same political positions organized to acquire and exercise political power. They are a defining element of representative democracy. Party systems may be broken down into three broad categories: two-party, multiparty, and single-party. Many countries, such as Greece and Cyprus, have several significant political parties, and some nations have one-party systems, such as China and Cuba. The United States is in practice a two-party system but with many smaller parties also participating. All parties have one function in common: they all participate to some extent in the exercise of political power, whether by forming a government or by exercising the function of opposition, a function that is often of crucial importance in the determination of national policy. Political parties are crucial for the functioning of representative democracy because multiparty democracy generates different policy options for the electorate. Political parties provide a mechanism through which citizens express diversity of interests and aspirations.
Today, in a representative democracy such as Greece, Denmark, Bulgaria, Italy and Cyprus, it is the people that rule and exercise power by means of elections. It is thus the electorate that elects representatives who, throughout their term, shall carry out specific duties and assume responsibilities under the articles of the Constitution.
Political party is a group of persons who have the same ideology or the same political positions organized to acquire and exercise political power. They are a defining element of representative democracy. Party systems may be broken down into three broad categories: two-party, multiparty, and single-party. Many countries, such as Greece and Cyprus, have several significant political parties, and some nations have one-party systems, such as China and Cuba. The United States is in practice a two-party system but with many smaller parties also participating. All parties have one function in common: they all participate to some extent in the exercise of political power, whether by forming a government or by exercising the function of opposition, a function that is often of crucial importance in the determination of national policy. Political parties are crucial for the functioning of representative democracy because multiparty democracy generates different policy options for the electorate. Political parties provide a mechanism through which citizens express diversity of interests and aspirations.
Today, in a representative democracy such as Greece, Denmark, Bulgaria, Italy and Cyprus, it is the people that rule and exercise power by means of elections. It is thus the electorate that elects representatives who, throughout their term, shall carry out specific duties and assume responsibilities under the articles of the Constitution.
The electorate consists of all citizens who have the right to vote. This right is granted to individuals who are at least 18 years of age, or shall turn 18 on the year of the election, have the capacity for legal act and are not the subject of an irrevocable criminal conviction for felonies. Eligible electors must be registered in the electoral roll to exercise their voting right. [Let us nonetheless point out that the aforementioned apply to national elections. As for European Parliament elections and municipal elections citizens of the European Union and immigrants who reside legally in Greece, may, under certain conditions, also be part of the electorate].
The electorate consists of all citizens who have the right to vote. This right is granted to individuals who are at least 18 years of age, or shall turn 18 on the year of the election, have the capacity for legal act and are not the subject of an irrevocable criminal conviction for felonies. Eligible electors must be registered in the electoral roll to exercise their voting right. [Let us nonetheless point out that the aforementioned apply to national elections. As for European Parliament elections and municipal elections citizens of the European Union and immigrants who reside legally in Greece, may, under certain conditions, also be part of the electorate].
In Greece general elections take place every 4 years. The Greek Parliament (Voulí ton Ellínon) has 300 members, elected for a four-year term by a system of 'reinforced' proportional representation.
In Italy general elections take place every 5 years. The Italian Parliament (Camera and Senato) has 945 members, elected with a mixed electoral system, both proportional and majority
In Cyprus, Presidential elections are held every five years. The Cypriot parliament has 50 member, elected by proportional representation every five years. Municipal elections also take place every four years.
In Bulgaria political parties gather in the National Assembly, a body of 240 deputies elected to four-year terms by direct popular vote by a system of preferential proportional representation with a 4% threshold. Municipal elections are conducted every four years via proportional representation with an open list preferential proportional voting system. Presidential elections are held every five years.
In Denmark There are three types of elections. Elections to the national parliament (the Folketing), local elections (to municipal and regional councils), and elections to the European Parliament. Referendums may also be called to consult the Danish citizenry directly on an issue of national concern. Parliamentary elections are called by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister, usually three to four years after the last election, although early elections may occur. Elections to local councils (municipal or regional) and to the European Parliament are held on fixed dates. Elections use the party-list proportional representation system. Only citizens on the national register are eligible to vote in parliamentary elections and long-time residents may vote in local elections.
In Greece general elections take place every 4 years. The Greek Parliament (Voulí ton Ellínon) has 300 members, elected for a four-year term by a system of 'reinforced' proportional representation.
In Italy general elections take place every 5 years. The Italian Parliament (Camera and Senato) has 945 members, elected with a mixed electoral system, both proportional and majority
In Cyprus, Presidential elections are held every five years. The Cypriot parliament has 50 member, elected by proportional representation every five years. Municipal elections also take place every four years.
In Bulgaria political parties gather in the National Assembly, a body of 240 deputies elected to four-year terms by direct popular vote by a system of preferential proportional representation with a 4% threshold. Municipal elections are conducted every four years via proportional representation with an open list preferential proportional voting system. Presidential elections are held every five years.
In Denmark There are three types of elections. Elections to the national parliament (the Folketing), local elections (to municipal and regional councils), and elections to the European Parliament. Referendums may also be called to consult the Danish citizenry directly on an issue of national concern. Parliamentary elections are called by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister, usually three to four years after the last election, although early elections may occur. Elections to local councils (municipal or regional) and to the European Parliament are held on fixed dates. Elections use the party-list proportional representation system. Only citizens on the national register are eligible to vote in parliamentary elections and long-time residents may vote in local elections.
Greece is a Parliamentary Representative Democratic Republic. The President, elected by Parliament every five years, is Head of State. The Prime Minister is Head of Government. The Ministerial Council, consisting of the Prime Minister, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Ministers without portfolio, is the collective decision-making body that constitutes the Government of Greece.
Legislative power is exercised by Parliament and the President of the Republic. Executive power is exercised by the President of the Republic and the Government. Judicial power is vested in the courts of law, whose decisions are executed in the name of the people.
Although the President of the Republic has limited political power, as most power lies with the government, his duties include formally appointing the Prime Minister, on whose recommendation he also appoints or dismisses other members of government, he represents the State in its relations to other States, proclaims referendums etc.
General elections are normally held every four years unless the Parliament is dissolved earlier. The electorate consists of all Greek citizens who are 18 years of age. Each new Government, after a general election or after the previous government’s resignation, has to appear before Parliament and request a vote of confidence.
Greece is a Parliamentary Representative Democratic Republic. The President, elected by Parliament every five years, is Head of State. The Prime Minister is Head of Government. The Ministerial Council, consisting of the Prime Minister, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Ministers without portfolio, is the collective decision-making body that constitutes the Government of Greece.
Legislative power is exercised by Parliament and the President of the Republic. Executive power is exercised by the President of the Republic and the Government. Judicial power is vested in the courts of law, whose decisions are executed in the name of the people.
Although the President of the Republic has limited political power, as most power lies with the government, his duties include formally appointing the Prime Minister, on whose recommendation he also appoints or dismisses other members of government, he represents the State in its relations to other States, proclaims referendums etc.
General elections are normally held every four years unless the Parliament is dissolved earlier. The electorate consists of all Greek citizens who are 18 years of age. Each new Government, after a general election or after the previous government’s resignation, has to appear before Parliament and request a vote of confidence.
Italy has a Parliamentary Republic type of government, complete with the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislative divisions. The 1948 Constitution provides the framework for Italy’s government.
The Constitutional Court monitors government’s actions to ensure they uphold the Constitution. Italy’s President is the head of state and a symbol of national unity. Both houses of Parliament elect the President for a seven- year term and may be re-elected after the completion of the first term.
The President is tasked to appoint the Prime Minister as well as five judges to the Constitutional Court. The President checks legislation to verify their constitutionality and can veto a bill and warrant parliament to re-draft the bill. The President declares war and ratifies international treaties with approval from parliament.
The president heads the Supreme Council of Defence, being the commander of the armed forces, and the Supreme Council of Defence. The President appoints the Prime Minister and assumes the position after Parliament’s approval. The premier chooses the ministers for various departments to form the government. The government must win the approval of a parliamentary majority through a vote of confidence.
The government oversees the nation’s executive functions including implementation of public policy. The government can also table new bills in the legislature. The prime Minister is also the president of the council of ministers. Italy has a bicameral parliamentary system that is comprised of two houses of parliament. 630 members represent constituencies in the Chamber of Deputies while 315 members represent regions in the Senate.
Both houses have similar powers and approve bills into legislation. Deputies are required by law to be between 18 and 25 years while Senators are between 25 to 40 years. The Deputies and Senators are elected for five-year terms. The Parliament can warrant the government to resign if they give a vote of no confidence.
Italy has a Parliamentary Republic type of government, complete with the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislative divisions. The 1948 Constitution provides the framework for Italy’s government.
The Constitutional Court monitors government’s actions to ensure they uphold the Constitution. Italy’s President is the head of state and a symbol of national unity. Both houses of Parliament elect the President for a seven- year term and may be re-elected after the completion of the first term.
The President is tasked to appoint the Prime Minister as well as five judges to the Constitutional Court. The President checks legislation to verify their constitutionality and can veto a bill and warrant parliament to re-draft the bill. The President declares war and ratifies international treaties with approval from parliament.
The president heads the Supreme Council of Defence, being the commander of the armed forces, and the Supreme Council of Defence. The President appoints the Prime Minister and assumes the position after Parliament’s approval. The premier chooses the ministers for various departments to form the government. The government must win the approval of a parliamentary majority through a vote of confidence.
The government oversees the nation’s executive functions including implementation of public policy. The government can also table new bills in the legislature. The prime Minister is also the president of the council of ministers. Italy has a bicameral parliamentary system that is comprised of two houses of parliament. 630 members represent constituencies in the Chamber of Deputies while 315 members represent regions in the Senate.
Both houses have similar powers and approve bills into legislation. Deputies are required by law to be between 18 and 25 years while Senators are between 25 to 40 years. The Deputies and Senators are elected for five-year terms. The Parliament can warrant the government to resign if they give a vote of no confidence.
Bulgaria is a parliamentary representative democratic republic whereby the Prime minister is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly.
The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. According to the Constitution of Bulgaria, the president is the head of state who is democratically elected to serve a five-year term.The president is also the Commander in Chief of the Bulgarian armed forces.
The primary roles of the president involve foreign relations with the president mandated to be the country’s representative during international meetings and discussions. The president has limited veto power over the legislature where he can return legislation back to parliament to be debated further.
Bulgaria is a parliamentary representative democratic republic whereby the Prime minister is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly.
The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. According to the Constitution of Bulgaria, the president is the head of state who is democratically elected to serve a five-year term.The president is also the Commander in Chief of the Bulgarian armed forces.
The primary roles of the president involve foreign relations with the president mandated to be the country’s representative during international meetings and discussions. The president has limited veto power over the legislature where he can return legislation back to parliament to be debated further.
The system of governance in Denmark is a parliamentary democracy. The politics of Denmark take place within the framework of a parliamentary representative democracy, a constitutional monarchy and a decentralised unitary state in which the monarch of Denmark, Queen Margrethe II, is the head of state. Denmark is described as a nation state. Danish politics and governance are characterized by a common striving for broad consensus on important issues, within both the political community and society as a whole.
Executive power is exercised by the cabinet of Denmark (commonly known as "the Government", Danish: regeringen), presided over by the Prime Minister (statsminister) who is first among equals. Legislative power is vested in both the executive and the national parliament (Folketinget). Members of the judiciary are nominated by the executive (conventionally by recommendation of the judiciary itself), formally appointed by the monarch and employed until retirement.
The system of governance in Denmark is a parliamentary democracy. The politics of Denmark take place within the framework of a parliamentary representative democracy, a constitutional monarchy and a decentralised unitary state in which the monarch of Denmark, Queen Margrethe II, is the head of state. Denmark is described as a nation state. Danish politics and governance are characterized by a common striving for broad consensus on important issues, within both the political community and society as a whole.
Executive power is exercised by the cabinet of Denmark (commonly known as "the Government", Danish: regeringen), presided over by the Prime Minister (statsminister) who is first among equals. Legislative power is vested in both the executive and the national parliament (Folketinget). Members of the judiciary are nominated by the executive (conventionally by recommendation of the judiciary itself), formally appointed by the monarch and employed until retirement.
The Republic of Cyprus is a unitary presidential representative republic, whereby the President of Cyprus is both head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the parliament. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. High quality trade journalism requires investment. Please share this article with others using the link below, do not cut and paste the article. See our Copyright Policy.
Email cypruseditor@countryprofiler.com to request permission to use our content. Learn More at: https://www.cyprusprofile.com/page/country-information/politics.
The Republic of Cyprus is a unitary presidential representative republic, whereby the President of Cyprus is both head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the parliament. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. High quality trade journalism requires investment. Please share this article with others using the link below, do not cut and paste the article. See our Copyright Policy.
Email cypruseditor@countryprofiler.com to request permission to use our content. Learn More at: https://www.cyprusprofile.com/page/country-information/politics.
Watch the following video in order to learn more about the constitution and its importance
Watch the following video in order to learn more about the constitution and its importance
For each type of government, identify who governs, what legitimizes the authority to govern, and an example of that type by selecting an item from the list below.
For each type of government, identify who governs, what legitimizes the authority to govern, and an example of that type by selecting an item from the list below.
military officers |  | Democracy |
Religious leader | Theocracy | |
no one | Monarchy | |
king-queen | Anarchy | |
elected officials | Dictatorship |
citizens’ consent | | Anarchy |
birth right | Democracy | |
no centralized authority | Theocracy | |
force | Monarchy | |
claim to religious authorities | Dictatorship |
Greece | | Anarchy |
Iran | Democracy | |
Somalia | Theocracy | |
Thailand | Monarchy | |
United Kingdom | Dictatorship |
https://www.mfa.gr/missionsabroad/en/about-greece/government-and-politics/
http://www.oecd.org/italy/governmentofitalyusefullinks.htm
http://www.oecd.org/general/governmentofdenmarkusefullinks.htm
https://www.britannica.com/topic/political-party/Parties-and-political-power
https://www.mfa.gr/missionsabroad/en/about-greece/government-and-politics/
http://www.oecd.org/italy/governmentofitalyusefullinks.htm
http://www.oecd.org/general/governmentofdenmarkusefullinks.htm
https://www.britannica.com/topic/political-party/Parties-and-political-power
 |
Section completed |  |
| Exercise | Result | Your answer | Correct answer |
Vifin Course Creator