Unitary Executive Theory

Photo of President Lyndon B. Johnson

Unitary executive theory is the concept that the president controls the entire executive branch of the American government. While people on the executive branch can advise presidents and criticize their decisions, they cannot overrule them. The cabinet help make executive decisions, but the president always has the final say.

What Is Pluralism?

Photo a group of young people

Pluralism is the idea that people of different cultures can coexist in society even though they have different political opinions. Pluralists believe that society benefits from various people with different beliefs equally participating in the same society.

How Does Democracy Protect Minority Rights?

Statue of Martin Luther King

In a democracy, whether you lose in a political debate or an election, or belong to a minority group due to ethnic background, geographic location, religious belief, gender preference, civil status, educational experience, or socioeconomic level — you are guaranteed fundamental human rights. No one — not any person, government, nor the majority — can remove these rights from you. This is called the Majority Rule, Minority Rights Principle, which holds the twin pillars of democracy.

What Is a Parliamentary System?

The European Parliament

One thing that makes the United States government different from most governments in Europe is the lack of a parliamentary system. What is a parliamentary government, and how is it different from the American one? Does the United States gain anything by not using a parliamentary system?

What Is a Presidential Republic?

Theodore Roosevelt speaking at the Capitol

A presidential system can be defined as a democratic and republican pattern of government in which the executive and legislative branches are separated. President is the title given to the person who serves as the head of state and the executive branch of the government.

All You Need to Know About a Unitary Government

Photo of Cuban goverment building

A unitary government is a type of government in which all power is centralized in the hands of a single ruler. In the unitary system of government, a single central government possesses total control over all political subdivisions.