Greek and British Political Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Greek and British Political Systems - Essay Example System of governance: The country was ruled by a monarchy until a military dictatorship forced the king of the country to flee the country in 1967. A democratic form of government was created in 1974 along with the abolition of monarchy. â€Å"A military dictatorship, which in 1967 suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country, lasted seven years. The 1974 democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy.† (World Fact Book: Greece: Background). The country which is also known as the Hellenic Republic is qualified to be called a parliamentary republic. Constitution: The constitution of the country was created in 1975 soon after the country adopted a democratic form of government in 1974. it was in effect the adoption of the same constitution that was adopted from the one created in 1952, but removing all clauses that were related to monarchy. Amendments were made in 1986 and 2001. the constitution had causes that were similar to constitutions that were associated with democracies. Some of the major clauses were equality of Greeks, freedom of personality, the inviolability of home and private life, the right of petition, assembly and association, the right to work and unionise, the protection of the environment etc. (The Fifth Revisionary Parliament of the Hellenes Resolves). Head of state: The head of state in Greece is the president. He is elected by secret ballot by the parliament and has limited powers. The maximum period that a person can be president is two years and during that time no other posts, positions or functions can be taken up. A two thirds majority is needed from the parliament to be elected to the post. The presidents powers are more representative of the country in nature and real powers of governance are vested with the prime minister and the Greek Parliament. Legislative Power: As in most democracies the legislative power rests with the Greek parliament headed by the prime minister. A parliament member can hold the term of office for a period of four years. There are 300 members in the parliament and election is though secret ballot. The president shall appoint the leader of the majority party as prime minister. Judiciary: The country has there types of judiciary namely the civil, criminal and administrative courts. The highest judiciary is the Supreme Court of the country known as Areios Pagos. Administrative Divisions: For the purpose of governance the country is divided into 51 administrative division or prefectures called nomos in Greek. Political Parties: The main political parties in the country is the ruling New Democracy party (New Demkratia), the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE). Others include the Coalition of the Left and the Progress (SYRIZA) and the Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.O.S). A comparison with the British Political System: System of governance: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland also includes Scotland and Wales. Unlike modern Greece, Britain is having an uneasy truce after a long period of violence with Ireland. Britain follows a system known as Constitutional monarchy. The country is one of the longest free states in