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The dissolution of a legislative assembly is fundamentally different from its prorogation because dissolution legally ends the assembly's existence and its members' terms, leading to a new parliament after an election.
Answer: True
Dissolution legally terminates the assembly's existence and its members' terms, necessitating a new parliament after an election. Prorogation, in contrast, merely marks a period of inactivity after which the same members are expected to reassemble.
In most Westminster systems, the existing legislative assembly and its members remain in office until a new assembly convenes, even after dissolution.
Answer: False
In most Westminster systems, dissolution legally terminates the assembly's existence, creating a temporary power vacuum. This contrasts with most Continental European countries where the existing assembly remains in office until the new one convenes.
Early dissolutions in parliamentary systems are exclusively initiated by the executive branch to strengthen its legislative support.
Answer: False
Early dissolutions can be initiated by the executive to strengthen support, but they can also be triggered by parliament withholding confidence and supply from the government, or even by legislative vote in some presidential systems.
In bicameral Westminster systems, the term 'dissolution of parliament' typically refers to the dissolution of both the lower and upper houses simultaneously.
Answer: False
In bicameral Westminster systems, the term 'dissolution of parliament' usually refers specifically to the dissolution of the lower house, whose members are directly elected and form the government.
What is the fundamental definition of the dissolution of a legislative assembly?
Answer: The legal termination of service for all members, anticipating a new assembly, typically via an election.
The dissolution of a legislative assembly fundamentally refers to the simultaneous legal termination of service for all of its members, in anticipation of a new legislative assembly reconvening, typically through a general election.
How does dissolution fundamentally differ from prorogation in a legislative assembly?
Answer: Dissolution leads to a new parliament after an election, whereas prorogation is a period of inactivity after which the same members reassemble.
Dissolution legally ends the existence of the assembly and its members' terms, leading to a new parliament after an election. Prorogation, conversely, is a period of inactivity after which the same members are expected to reassemble for a subsequent legislative session.
What is a key difference in the immediate effect of dissolution between most Continental European countries and Westminster systems?
Answer: In Continental Europe, the existing assembly and its members remain in office until the new assembly convenes, unlike most Westminster systems.
In most Continental European countries, the existing assembly and its members typically remain in office until the new assembly convenes. In contrast, most Westminster systems experience a legal termination of the assembly's existence upon dissolution, creating a temporary power vacuum.
Which of the following is a common reason for early dissolutions in parliamentary and semi-presidential systems?
Answer: To resolve conflicts between the executive and the legislature, such as a snap election or parliament withholding confidence.
Early dissolutions often occur to resolve fundamental conflicts between the executive and the legislature, such as a 'snap election' called by an executive seeking to strengthen its legislative support, or an election triggered by parliament withholding confidence and supply from the government.
In a bicameral Westminster system, to which house does the term 'dissolution of parliament' usually refer?
Answer: Specifically to the lower house, whose members are directly elected and form the government.
In a bicameral Westminster system, the term 'dissolution of parliament' generally refers specifically to the dissolution of the lower house, as its directly elected members form the government.
The Australian Senate can be dissolved at any time by the Governor-General, acting on the Prime Minister's advice, similar to the House of Representatives.
Answer: False
The Australian Senate can only be dissolved by the Governor-General if the House of Representatives is also dissolved, in a 'double dissolution,' and only under specific, limited constitutional circumstances.
During the 1975 Australian constitutional crisis, Governor-General Sir John Kerr dismissed Prime Minister Gough Whitlam after Whitlam advised an election to resolve a political deadlock.
Answer: False
Governor-General Sir John Kerr dismissed Prime Minister Gough Whitlam because Whitlam had refused to advise an election despite a political deadlock over supply. Kerr then appointed a caretaker prime minister who advised a double dissolution.
The Parliament of Victoria operates with fixed terms, meaning both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council automatically dissolve twenty-five days before the last Saturday in November every four years.
Answer: True
The Parliament of Victoria indeed operates with fixed terms, and both its Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council automatically dissolve twenty-five days before the last Saturday in November every four years.
In Canada, if the government loses a confidence vote, the Prime Minister is constitutionally required to advise the Governor General to dissolve Parliament, triggering an election.
Answer: False
If the government loses a confidence vote in Canada, the Prime Minister has two options: either resign, allowing another party leader to form a government, or advise the Governor General to dissolve Parliament.
In the Indian Parliament, bills pending in the Rajya Sabha lapse when the Lok Sabha is dissolved.
Answer: False
When the Lok Sabha is dissolved, bills pending within it lapse. However, bills pending in the Rajya Sabha do not lapse and can remain pending for extended periods.
The President of Ireland has the discretion to deny a Taoiseach's request for dissolution of Dáil Éireann if the Taoiseach has lost the confidence of the Dáil.
Answer: True
The President of Ireland may legitimately deny a Taoiseach's dissolution request only if the Taoiseach has demonstrably lost the confidence of the Dáil.
The Eighteenth Amendment in Pakistan removed the President's discretionary power to dissolve the National Assembly without the Prime Minister's advice.
Answer: True
Prior to the Eighteenth Amendment, the President had discretionary power to dissolve the National Assembly without the Prime Minister's advice, a power that has since been constitutionally removed.
The President of Sri Lanka can dissolve Parliament at any time, regardless of how long the current legislative term has lasted.
Answer: False
The President of Sri Lanka may generally not dissolve Parliament until at least two years and six months have passed from its first meeting, unless Parliament itself requests the dissolution.
The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 in the UK temporarily removed the monarch's prerogative power to dissolve Parliament on the Prime Minister's advice.
Answer: False
The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 temporarily removed this power, but it was subsequently revived by the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022, restoring the Prime Minister's ability to advise the monarch to dissolve Parliament.
The Northern Ireland Assembly is automatically dissolved if it fails to elect a First Minister and Deputy First Minister within six weeks of its first meeting.
Answer: True
The Northern Ireland Assembly is indeed automatically dissolved under this condition, which signals a breakdown in power-sharing arrangements.
Who possesses the authority to dissolve the Australian House of Representatives?
Answer: The Governor-General, acting on the Prime Minister's advice.
The Australian House of Representatives can be dissolved at any time by the Governor-General, acting on the Prime Minister's advice.
What was Governor-General Sir John Kerr's stated reason for dissolving the House of Representatives during the 1975 Australian constitutional crisis?
Answer: He claimed it was his duty to dissolve the House as the 'only democratic and constitutional solution' to a political deadlock.
Governor-General Sir John Kerr claimed it was his duty to dissolve the House of Representatives as the 'only democratic and constitutional solution' to the political deadlock during the 1975 crisis.
Under what specific condition can the Parliament of Victoria's Legislative Assembly be dissolved early?
Answer: If a no-confidence motion against the Premier passes and no confidence motion is passed within a week.
The Governor of Victoria can dissolve the Legislative Assembly if a no-confidence motion against the Premier passes and no subsequent confidence motion is passed within one week.
In Canada, what are the Prime Minister's options if the government loses a confidence or supply vote?
Answer: The Prime Minister must resign, allowing another party leader to form a government, or advise the Governor General to dissolve Parliament.
If the government loses a confidence or supply vote in Canada, the Prime Minister must either resign, allowing another party leader to form a government, or advise the Governor General to dissolve Parliament, triggering a general election.
What happens to bills pending in the Rajya Sabha when the Lok Sabha is dissolved in India?
Answer: They do not lapse and can remain pending for extended periods.
When the Lok Sabha is dissolved, bills pending within it lapse. However, bills pending in the Rajya Sabha do not lapse and can remain pending for extended periods.
Under what specific circumstances might the President of Ireland deny a Taoiseach's request for dissolution of Dáil Éireann?
Answer: If the Taoiseach has lost the confidence of the Dáil.
The President of Ireland may legitimately deny a Taoiseach's dissolution request only if the Taoiseach has demonstrably lost the confidence of the Dáil, typically through a vote of no confidence or the failure of a crucial bill.
What was the impact of the Eighteenth Amendment on the President's power to dissolve the National Assembly in Pakistan?
Answer: It removed the President's discretionary power to dissolve the National Assembly without the prime minister's advice.
The Eighteenth Amendment in Pakistan removed the President's discretionary power to dissolve the National Assembly without the Prime Minister's advice, making the President constitutionally bound to act on the Prime Minister's advice.
What is a general restriction on the President of Sri Lanka's power to dissolve Parliament?
Answer: The President may dissolve Parliament only after two years and six months have passed from its first meeting, unless Parliament requests it.
The President of Sri Lanka may generally not dissolve Parliament until at least two years and six months have passed from its first meeting, unless Parliament itself requests the dissolution by resolution.
Which UK legislation temporarily removed the monarch's prerogative power to dissolve Parliament on the Prime Minister's advice?
Answer: The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011.
The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 temporarily removed the monarch's prerogative power to dissolve Parliament on the Prime Minister's advice, setting fixed terms.
How can the Northern Ireland Assembly vote to dissolve itself early?
Answer: With a two-thirds majority of its total members.
The Northern Ireland Assembly can vote to dissolve itself early with a two-thirds majority of its total members.
Since the 1993 constitutional reforms in Belgium, only the Chamber of Representatives can be dissolved by royal order, with the Senate dissolving automatically.
Answer: True
The 1993 constitutional reforms in Belgium solidified that only the Chamber of Representatives can be dissolved by royal order, with the Senate automatically dissolving concurrently, a process further reinforced by 2014 reforms.
The President of the Czech Republic can dissolve the Chamber of Deputies if it fails to pass a motion of confidence for a new government.
Answer: True
One of the specific constitutional conditions under which the President of the Czech Republic can dissolve the Chamber of Deputies is if it fails to pass a motion of confidence for a new government.
The Folketing in Denmark is formally dissolved when an election is called, and it loses its legislative power until new members are elected.
Answer: False
The Folketing in Denmark is never formally dissolved, even when an election is called; it retains its legislative power until new members are elected.
The President of Estonia is obliged to call an early election if the Riigikogu fails to approve a national budget within two months of the financial year's start.
Answer: True
One of the conditions under which the President of Estonia is obliged to call an early election for the Riigikogu is if it fails to approve a national budget within two months of the financial year's start.
Since the 2000 constitution, the President of Finland can unilaterally dissolve parliament and call for an early election without consulting the prime minister.
Answer: False
Since the 2000 constitution, the President of Finland can only dissolve parliament upon a proposal by the prime minister and after consulting with parliamentary groups, no longer unilaterally.
Under the French Constitution, a newly elected National Assembly can be dissolved again within the first year of its term if a major political crisis arises.
Answer: False
A key rule under Article 12 of the 1958 French Constitution is that a newly elected National Assembly cannot be dissolved again within the first year of its term.
In Germany, the Bundesrat cannot be dissolved because its members represent the federal states' governments rather than specific individuals.
Answer: True
The Bundesrat, Germany's second federal legislative body, cannot be dissolved because its members represent the governments of the federal states, ensuring continuous representation of state interests.
Italy's 'semestre bianco' prevents the President from dissolving Parliament during the first six months of their seven-year term.
Answer: False
The 'semestre bianco' refers to the last six months of the President's seven-year term, during which they lose the authority to dissolve Parliament (with exceptions), not the first six months.
The Constitution of Norway allows the Storting to be dissolved by the monarch if a vote of no confidence against the government passes.
Answer: False
According to the Constitution of Norway, the Storting cannot be dissolved before it has served its full four-year term, regardless of confidence votes.
The President of Romania can dissolve Parliament if it rejects two consecutive prime minister candidates proposed by the President.
Answer: True
The sole constitutional ground for the President of Romania to dissolve Parliament is if it rejects two consecutive prime minister candidates proposed by the President.
The President of Russia has exercised the power to dissolve the State Duma multiple times under the current 1993 constitution.
Answer: False
The power to dissolve the State Duma under the current 1993 Russian Constitution has not been exercised, although President Boris Yeltsin dissolved other legislative bodies during the 1993 constitutional crisis without formal constitutional powers.
In Spain, the King automatically dissolves the Cortes Generales after four years, but the Prime Minister can also initiate a dissolution.
Answer: True
In Spain, legislatures typically last four years, after which the King dissolves the Cortes Generales. Additionally, the Prime Minister, after deliberation with the Cabinet, can also initiate a dissolution.
How did the 1993 constitutional reforms affect the dissolution of chambers in Belgium?
Answer: They solidified that only the Chamber of Representatives can be dissolved, with the Senate automatically dissolving as well.
Since the 1993 constitutional reforms in Belgium, only the Chamber of Representatives can be dissolved by royal order, with the Senate automatically dissolving concurrently.
Which of the following is a condition under which the President of the Czech Republic can dissolve the Chamber of Deputies?
Answer: If the chamber fails to pass a motion of confidence for a new government.
One of the specific constitutional conditions for the President of the Czech Republic to dissolve the Chamber of Deputies is if it fails to pass a motion of confidence for a new government.
What is unique about the Folketing in Denmark regarding dissolution?
Answer: It is never formally dissolved, even when an election is called, retaining its legislative power.
The Folketing in Denmark is never formally dissolved, even when an election is called, and it retains its legislative power until new members are elected.
Under what condition is the President of Estonia obliged to call an early election for the Riigikogu?
Answer: If the Riigikogu fails to approve a national budget within two months of the financial year's start.
The President of Estonia is obliged to call an early election for the Riigikogu if it fails to approve a national budget within two months of the financial year's start, among other conditions.
How has the President's power to dissolve parliament in Finland changed since the 2000 constitution?
Answer: The President can only do so upon a proposal by the prime minister and after consulting with parliamentary groups.
Since the 2000 constitution, the President of Finland can only dissolve parliament upon a proposal by the prime minister and after consulting with parliamentary groups, a change from prior unilateral power.
According to Article 12 of the 1958 French Constitution, what is a key rule regarding the dissolution of a newly elected National Assembly?
Answer: It cannot be dissolved again within the first year of its term.
A crucial rule under Article 12 of the 1958 French Constitution is that a newly elected National Assembly cannot be dissolved again within the first year of its term.
Which German federal legislative body cannot be dissolved?
Answer: The Bundesrat.
The Bundesrat, Germany's second federal legislative body, cannot be dissolved because its members represent the governments of the federal states rather than specific individuals.
What is the 'semestre bianco' in Italy?
Answer: The last six months of the President's seven-year term, during which they lose the authority to dissolve Parliament (with exceptions).
The 'semestre bianco' in Italy refers to the last six months of the President's seven-year term, during which they lose the authority to dissolve Parliament, with specific exceptions.
According to the Constitution of Norway, what is the rule regarding the dissolution of the Storting?
Answer: It cannot be dissolved before it has served its full four-year term.
According to the Constitution of Norway, the Storting cannot be dissolved before it has served its full four-year term, ensuring a fixed electoral cycle.
What is the sole constitutional ground for the President of Romania to dissolve Parliament?
Answer: If Parliament rejects two consecutive prime minister candidates proposed by the President.
The President of Romania may dissolve Parliament only if Parliament rejects two consecutive prime minister candidates proposed by the President, which is the sole constitutional ground for this action.
Under the Russian Constitution, what is one condition for the President to dissolve the State Duma?
Answer: If the State Duma expresses no confidence in the Government of Russia twice within two months.
Under Articles 111 and 117 of the Russian Constitution, the President may dissolve the State Duma if it expresses no confidence in the Government of Russia twice within two months.
In Spain, besides the King dissolving the Cortes Generales after four years, who else can initiate a dissolution?
Answer: The Prime Minister, after deliberation with the Cabinet.
In Spain, in addition to the King dissolving the Cortes Generales after four years, the Prime Minister, after deliberation with the Cabinet, can also initiate a dissolution.
In Bangladesh, following a parliamentary dissolution, general elections must be held within 120 days, and the new Parliament must convene within 60 days.
Answer: False
In Bangladesh, general elections must be held within 90 days following a parliamentary dissolution, and the new Parliament must convene within 30 days after the election results are published.
The August 2024 dissolution of Parliament in Bangladesh led to an interim government, a mechanism explicitly provided for in the country's constitution.
Answer: False
The interim government formed in Bangladesh after the August 2024 parliamentary dissolution was established despite the constitution not explicitly providing for such an interim arrangement.
Brazil's current constitution allows the President to dissolve the Federal Senate or the Chamber of Deputies under specific emergency conditions.
Answer: False
Under Brazil's current constitution, there is no formal mechanism to dissolve either the Federal Senate or the Chamber of Deputies.
Ecuador's 'muerte cruzada' mechanism allows the President to dissolve the National Assembly without any personal electoral consequences.
Answer: False
Ecuador's 'muerte cruzada' mechanism triggers a fresh election for the President as well, who serves out the remainder of the original term, thus carrying significant personal electoral consequences.
The Chief Executive of Hong Kong can dissolve the Legislative Council if it fails to pass an appropriation bill or if the Chief Executive refuses assent to a bill passed by a two-thirds majority.
Answer: True
Under Article 51 of the Hong Kong Basic Law, the Chief Executive can dissolve the Legislative Council under these specific conditions, among others.
The Constitution of Indonesia allows the President to dissolve the House of Representatives under specific circumstances, such as a national emergency.
Answer: False
The Constitution of Indonesia explicitly prohibits the President from dissolving the House of Representatives, a principle reinforced during the Third Amendment.
In Israel, the Knesset is automatically dissolved 14 days after elections, coinciding with the new Knesset's term start.
Answer: True
The Knesset is strictly dissolved automatically 14 days after elections, which coincides with the commencement of the new Knesset's term.
The House of Councillors in Japan can be dissolved by the Emperor on the advice of the Cabinet, similar to the House of Representatives.
Answer: False
The House of Councillors in Japan cannot be dissolved; its members serve fixed six-year terms, ensuring its continuous operation, unlike the House of Representatives.
Under the Peruvian Constitution of 1993, a President who dissolves Congress is immune from impeachment for that action.
Answer: False
Historically, presidents in Peru who dissolved Congress, such as Alberto Fujimori and Martín Vizcarra, were subsequently impeached and removed from office by the dissolved Congress, which deemed their actions illegitimate.
The Bolivarian Constitution of Venezuela prohibits the President from dissolving the National Assembly during the last year of its constitutional period.
Answer: True
The Bolivarian Constitution of Venezuela includes a safeguard that Parliament cannot be dissolved during the last year of its constitutional period, preventing late-term executive overreach.
According to the Constitution of Bangladesh, what is the timeframe for holding general elections after Parliament is dissolved?
Answer: Within 90 days.
In Bangladesh, following a parliamentary dissolution, general elections must be held within 90 days, as stipulated by Article 72 of the Constitution.
What was notable about the interim government formed in Bangladesh after the August 2024 parliamentary dissolution?
Answer: It was formed despite the constitution not explicitly providing for such an interim arrangement.
The interim government formed in Bangladesh after the August 2024 parliamentary dissolution was notable because it was established despite the constitution not explicitly providing for such an interim arrangement.
Under Brazil's current constitution, what mechanism exists for dissolving the Federal Senate or the Chamber of Deputies?
Answer: There is no formal mechanism to dissolve either the Federal Senate or the Chamber of Deputies.
Under Brazil's current constitution, there is no formal mechanism for the dissolution of either the Federal Senate or the Chamber of Deputies.
What is the consequence for the President of Ecuador when invoking the 'muerte cruzada' mechanism?
Answer: It triggers a fresh election for the president as well, who serves out the remainder of the original term.
Invoking Ecuador's 'muerte cruzada' mechanism triggers a fresh election for the President as well, who serves out the remainder of the original term, alongside the new National Assembly.
Under what condition can the Chief Executive of Hong Kong dissolve the Legislative Council?
Answer: If the Council fails to pass the appropriation bill or any other important bill.
Under Article 51 of the Hong Kong Basic Law, the Chief Executive can dissolve the Legislative Council if it fails to pass the appropriation bill or any other important bill, among other conditions.
What does the Constitution of Indonesia explicitly state regarding the President's power to dissolve the House of Representatives?
Answer: The President is explicitly prohibited from dissolving the House of Representatives.
The Constitution of Indonesia explicitly prohibits the President from dissolving the House of Representatives, a principle reinforced by its inclusion in Article 7C during the Third Amendment.
Which of the following is a condition for calling early elections to the Knesset in Israel?
Answer: If the Prime Minister requests early elections with presidential approval due to gridlock.
One condition for calling early elections to the Knesset in Israel is if the Prime Minister requests early elections with presidential approval due to legislative gridlock.
Who possesses the authority to dissolve the House of Representatives in Japan?
Answer: The Emperor, acting on the advice of the Cabinet.
In Japan, the House of Representatives can be dissolved at any time by the Emperor, acting on the advice of the Cabinet, which is headed by the Prime Minister.
Under the Peruvian Constitution of 1993, when can the President of Peru dissolve Congress?
Answer: If the legislative body passes a vote of no confidence three times.
Under the Peruvian Constitution of 1993, the President of Peru can dissolve Congress if the legislative body passes a vote of no confidence three times.
Under the Bolivarian Constitution of Venezuela, what is a condition for the President to dissolve the National Assembly?
Answer: If the Assembly approves the removal of the vice president by a motion of censure three times within the same constitutional period.
The Bolivarian Constitution of Venezuela authorizes the President to dissolve the National Assembly if it approves the removal of the Vice President by a motion of censure three times within the same constitutional period.
The United States Constitution grants the President the power to dissolve Congress if the House and Senate cannot agree on critical legislation.
Answer: False
The United States Constitution does not allow for the dissolution of Congress. The President's power is limited to proroguing Congress if the two houses cannot agree on an adjournment time, a power that has never been used.
In the fictional work *Star Wars*, the Emperor dissolves the Galactic Empire's Senate to consolidate power, illustrating dissolution as a dramatic political event.
Answer: True
The Emperor's dissolution of the Galactic Empire's Senate in *Star Wars* serves as a fictional illustration of dissolution as a dramatic political event used to consolidate power.
Does the United States Constitution allow for the dissolution of Congress?
Answer: No, the Constitution does not allow for the dissolution of Congress.
The United States Constitution does not allow for the dissolution of Congress; the President's power is limited to proroguing Congress under specific conditions, a power never exercised.
In the play and television adaptation *King Charles III*, what event leads the titular character to dissolve the British Parliament?
Answer: Parliament attempts to abolish royal assent.
In *King Charles III*, the titular character dissolves the British Parliament after it attempts to abolish royal assent, leading to a constitutional crisis.