close
test_template

Key Differences in The Way of Governance in The USA and The UK

About this sample

About this sample

close

Words: 494 |

Page: 1|

3 min read

Published: Jan 15, 2019

Words: 494|Page: 1|3 min read

Published: Jan 15, 2019

USA and the UK are two different states in the world. USA, completely known as United States of America has a federal and constitutional republic form of government while the UK (United Kingdom) instills the constitutional monarchy-parliament governance.

'Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned'?

Here are some key differences in the way of governance: Perhaps the most fundamental difference between the American and British political systems is the constitution. The United States has a written constitution as most of the other nation states. The UK does not have a single document called the constitution but instead its constitutional provisions are scattered over various Acts of Parliament.

The American constitution is hard to change and, in current political circumstances, perhaps impossible to change in any meaningful respect. The British Constitution i.e. - various Acts of Parliament - can be changed by a simple majority in the legislature. The most obvious and certainly the most visible differences between the American and British political systems is that the USA is a presidential system, with the apex of power in a President elected indirectly through an Electoral College, whereas the UK is a parliamentary system, with the Prime Minister holding office and power only so long as he or she commands a majority of votes in the House of Commons.

A US President is limited by the constitution to two four-year terms in office, whereas there is no limit to the time that a British Prime Minister can serve in the office. The American Cabinet is appointed by the President but he does not chair it or even attend it. The British Cabinet is appointed by the Prime Minister who normally attends and chairs every meeting. In the USA, both houses of the legislature - the Senate and the House of Representatives - are directly elected. In the UK, the House of Commons is directly elected, but the House of Lords is largely appointed making it unique in the democratic world.

In America, the Supreme Court is an intensely political institution - its members are appointed by the President on a partisan basis and its decisions are often highly political and highly controversial. By contrast, in Britain the Supreme Court is not appointed on a political basis and, like all British courts, avoids making decisions which it regards as proper to politicians and Parliament.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

In the USA, the term of a President, Senator or Congressman is known precisely as four years, six years and two years respectively and the dates of the elections are fixed. In the UK, the term of members of the House of Commons - and therefore of the Government - is legally a maximum of five years but traditionally a Prime Minister could call a general election whenever he or she wished and it has been considered “cowardly” to wait the full five years and so the election has been more typically after around four years. However, the current Coalition Government has enacted legislation to provide for a fixed five-year term except for special circumstances.

Image of Dr. Oliver Johnson
This essay was reviewed by
Dr. Oliver Johnson

Cite this Essay

Key differences in the way of governance in the USA and the UK. (2019, January 15). GradesFixer. Retrieved March 28, 2024, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/key-differences-in-the-way-of-governance-in-the-usa-and-the-uk/
“Key differences in the way of governance in the USA and the UK.” GradesFixer, 15 Jan. 2019, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/key-differences-in-the-way-of-governance-in-the-usa-and-the-uk/
Key differences in the way of governance in the USA and the UK. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/key-differences-in-the-way-of-governance-in-the-usa-and-the-uk/> [Accessed 28 Mar. 2024].
Key differences in the way of governance in the USA and the UK [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2019 Jan 15 [cited 2024 Mar 28]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/key-differences-in-the-way-of-governance-in-the-usa-and-the-uk/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now