Comparative Political Systems [2102-ANG-L-D3CPSY] Semestr zimowy 2023/24
Konwersatorium, grupa nr 1

- Carles Boix, Susan C. Stokes, (2009), The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Politics, Oxford University Press.

- Tim Bale (2017), European Politics. A comparative Introduction, 4th edn, London: Palgrave, Macmillan.

- other books referred to each subject of the classes within the frames of the course.

- Articles from the top journals referring to the comparative political systems.

1. – 2. Introduction – political systems as a field of study. Comparative studies on political systems. Political system – idea and definition; elements of political system; functions of political system. Nation state? Democracy, democratization, rule of law.

3. -4. Political system – separation and balance of powers – the main constitutional principle in democratic system; the main styles of system of government; characteristic of each main political systems; typologies of political systems; political system de iure and de facto. The Westminster Model of Democracy and the Consensus Model of Democracy. Presidential and parliamentary political systems – characteristics and differences. Presidential and parliamentary political system – characteristics and differences. Separation and cooperation of powers.

5. Constitutions: types; codified and uncodified (written and unwritten); principles of constitutional design; absolutely unmodified articles; modern constitutions. Fundamental principles of the constitution. How to change and adopt a new constitution? Other sources of constitutional law.

6. The executive branch of power: Head of a state and Prime Minister. Monarchism and republicanism. The President, the Government and Prime Minister, Ministers. Relations between them. Coalition building.Political leadership. Political practice.

7.- 8. Legislatives (parliaments); bicameralism and unicameralism. Legislative procedures. Relations between executive and legislative.

9. – 10. The electoral law. The electoral systems: majoritarian, proportional systems (types; effects; advantages and disadvantages). Elections.

11.Political participation and introduction to the political parties and party systems.

12. Judicial branch. Constitutional Courts and other organs of the state control and legal protection (Commissioner for Civil Rights Protection, ombudsman, etc.). Human rights and freedoms.

13. Confederations, federations and centralized systems. Regions, regionalization, secessions, autonomy, devolution in the UK

14. Direct democracy: referendums, civic initiatives. Women and minorities representation.

15. Quality of democracy. Rule of law. Democracies versus non-democracies and hybrid-regimes.

The following didactic methods will be used during the course: teaching methods: lecture, didactic discussion, work with textbooks, activation methods: brainstorming and problem solving method, comparative method or case study.

COURSE ASSESSMENT:

• The students will be evaluated based on their whole semester performance. The final grade will be based on combination of factors that include (however students cannot complete the course without passing the final, written exam):

• 1. Class participation 15%. This includes regular attendance as well as meaningful participation in class discussions. No more than two unexcused absences will be allowed in this course.

• 2. Gathering information on current issues concerning political systems.

• 3. One presentation related to the session’s topic 30% (individually or within a small group - depending on the number of students attending this course)

• 4. Final exam 55% (the exam will require to demonstrate knowledge of all material covered during the course – readings, lectures and class discussions; the structure of exam will involve a combination of multiple choice questions and essay questions)

None.