Government of Latin America Study Guide

What is a parliamentary system of government?

• A government where elected leaders choose the prime minister

• A parliamentary system is a type of dictatorship where the military controls the government.
• In a parliamentary system, the president is the head of government and has no legislative role.
• A parliamentary system is a form of monarchy where the king holds all power.

What is a presidential system of government?

• In a presidential system, the president is appointed by the legislature.
• A presidential system of government is a system where the president is the elected head of state and government, citizens elect the president.

• A presidential system is where the prime minister is the head of state.
• A presidential system has no separation of powers between branches of government.

What is a autocracy?

• A system where citizens vote on every decision.
• A government led by a council of elected officials.
• A type of democracy where power is shared equally.
• An autocracy is a government where one person or a small group holds absolute power. (one person)

In a parliamentary democracy, who directly elects the country's chief executive?

• The elected legislators

• Local councils select the chief executive.
• The judiciary appoints the chief executive.
• The president is elected by the public.

Why do autocratic countries like Cuba hold elections when presidents are chosen, not elected ?

• Elections are a requirement by international law.
• To make it appear MORE democratic

• They hold elections to promote democratic values.
• They hold elections to distract from economic issues.

Which statement best describes the governments of Cuba and Mexico?

• Cuba is a multi-party democracy, while Mexico is a one-party socialist state.
• Both Cuba and Mexico are one-party states.
• Cuba is a one-party socialist state, while Mexico is a multi-party democracy.
• Cuba has a parliamentary system, while Mexico has a presidential system.

Why might the autocracy in Cuba make citizens unhappy?

• The government provides unlimited access to international travel for everyone.
• Cuban citizens enjoy complete freedom of speech and expression.
• They can only elect legislators from the Cuban Communist Party, so there is no real representation of their views.

• The autocracy in Cuba promotes economic prosperity for all citizens.

In a parliamentary democracy, who directly elects the country's chief executive?

• The elected legislators

• Judicial representatives
• Local government officials
• The general public

Why do democracies, such as Mexico and Brazil, have presidential term limits

• To allow for unlimited re-election of popular leaders.
• To increase the power of political parties over individual candidates.
• To ensure a smooth transition of power every election cycle.
• To prevent concentration of power and promote democratic governance.

If Cubans vote for their legislatures and their legislatures appoint a president, why is Cuba NOT considered a democracy?

• Cuba has a fully independent judiciary system.
• Cubans have the right to freely express any political opinion.
• Cuba holds regular referendums on all major policies.
• Cuba is not considered a democracy because it lacks political pluralism and competitive elections.