---
title: "AP Comp Gov Unit 2 Review: Political Institutions | Fiveable"
description: "AP Comp Gov Unit 2 covers Executive Systems, Executive Term Limits, and Removal of Executives. Study guides, practice questions, and key terms for every topic."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/unit-2"
type: "unit"
subject: "AP Comparative Government"
unit: "Unit 2 – Political Institutions"
---

# AP Comp Gov Unit 2 Review: Political Institutions | Fiveable

## Overview

Unit 2 covers the formal structures of government across all six course countries. You will compare parliamentary, presidential, and semi-presidential systems; analyze how executives gain and lose power; evaluate legislative independence; and assess how judicial design affects the rule of law. The unit connects institutional structure to real outcomes like policy gridlock, authoritarian consolidation, and democratic accountability.

## AP CED Alignment

This unit hub is organized around AP Course and Exam Description topics, skills, and exam task types when they are available in the source data.
- 2.1: Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems
- 2.2: Comparing Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems
- 2.3: Executive Systems
- 2.4: Executive Term Limits
- 2.5: Removal of Executives
- 2.6: Legislative Systems
- 2.7: Independent Legislatures
- 2.8: Judicial Systems
- 2.9: Independent Judiciaries
- 2.2: Comparing Institutional Relations Across System Types
- 2.3-2.4: Executive Systems and Term Limits
- 2.6-2.7: Legislative Systems and Independence
- 2.8-2.9: Judicial Systems and Independence
- Disciplinary Practice 1 - Concept Application
- Disciplinary Practice 3 - Data Analysis
- FRQ 1 – Conceptual Analysis
- FRQ 2 – Quantitative Analysis
- executive term limits
- FRQ 3 – Comparative Analysis

## Topics

- [2.1: Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/parliamentary-presidential-semi-presidential-systems/study-guide/lHawA1movmFiqMkf2WJ0): Defines the three system types using UK (parliamentary), Mexico and Nigeria (presidential), and Russia (semi-presidential) as examples. Focuses on how the executive gains power and whether it depends on legislative confidence.
- [2.2: Comparing Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/comparing-parliamentary-presidential-semi-presidential-systems/study-guide/bBDA5h4hol0IbkJWhVor): Compares institutional relations across system types, focusing on policy obstacles, parliamentary checks like censure and Question Time, and the difference between fused and separated branch powers.
- [2.3: Executive Systems](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/executive-systems/study-guide/dDQcnwREgI0YRpscsZsY): Describes executive structure in all six countries: China's party-state-military fusion, Iran's dual executive under the Supreme Leader, Mexico's sexenio presidency, Nigeria's presidential system, Russia's dominant presidency, and the UK's prime minister.
- [2.4: Executive Term Limits](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/executive-term-limits/study-guide/hG9oQSqRwjQtcrG8c8RP): Analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of term limits for stability and effective policymaking, with examples including Mexico's single sexenio and the tradeoffs of lame-duck periods versus checks on personality rule.
- [2.5: Removal of Executives](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/removal-executives/study-guide/x4wuYdFhiW6T8SOGU0NS): Describes how legislatures can remove executives through impeachment in presidential systems and votes of no confidence in parliamentary systems, and explains why removal is practically difficult in authoritarian contexts.
- [2.6: Legislative Systems](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/legislative-systems/study-guide/jVV3UhFXUHIa31HAvINr): Covers the structure and powers of each country's legislature: unicameral systems in China and Iran, and bicameral systems in Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the UK, with specific powers of each chamber.
- [2.7: Independent Legislatures](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/independent-legislatures/study-guide/Vs6SME5s6OWJon0T8VSt): Explains how outside institutions constrain legislative independence, focusing on China's Politburo Standing Committee and NPC Standing Committee, and Iran's Guardian Council and Expediency Council. Also covers how legislatures build legitimacy.
- [2.8: Judicial Systems](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/judicial-systems/study-guide/b0arKXztb9ubeaa2Zm66): Describes judicial structure and appointment methods in all six countries, distinguishing between rule of law and rule by law systems and identifying how each country's courts interpret and apply law.
- [2.9: Independent Judiciaries](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/independent-judiciaries/study-guide/ss0LgeWHgWhWToomRgaZ): Explains what makes a judiciary independent: authority to overrule other branches, appointment and removal processes, term length, and professional requirements. Connects judicial independence to checks and balances and protection of rights.

## Hardest Topics And Analytics

Snapshot: practice snapshot
This snapshot uses Fiveable practice activity to show where students tend to miss questions and which review moves are worth prioritizing first.
- **69% average MCQ accuracy** (Across 17k multiple-choice practice attempts for this unit.)
- **17k MCQ attempts** (Practice activity included in this snapshot.)
- **73% average FRQ score** (Across 104 scored free-response attempts for this unit.)
- **2.6: Legislative Systems**: 33% MCQ miss rate across 2497 attempts. Review Legislative Systems with attention to how the concept appears in AP-style source and evidence questions.
- **2.8: Judicial Systems**: 33% MCQ miss rate across 1744 attempts. Review Judicial Systems with attention to how the concept appears in AP-style source and evidence questions.
- **2.9: Independent Judiciaries**: 29% MCQ miss rate across 1217 attempts. Review Independent Judiciaries with attention to how the concept appears in AP-style source and evidence questions.
- **2.1: Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems**: 28% MCQ miss rate across 2477 attempts. Review Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems with attention to how the concept appears in AP-style source and evidence questions.

## Review Notes

### 2.1: Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems

These three system types define how the executive and legislature relate to each other. In parliamentary systems the executive is drawn from the legislature and depends on its confidence. In presidential systems the executive is separately elected and serves a fixed term. Semi-presidential systems split executive power between a directly elected president and a prime minister who must maintain legislative support.

- **Parliamentary system (UK)**: Fusion of powers: the prime minister is chosen by Parliament, leads the majority party or coalition, and can be removed by a vote of no confidence.
- **Presidential system (Mexico, Nigeria)**: Separation of powers: the president is directly elected for a fixed term, serves as both head of state and head of government, and the cabinet is accountable to the president, not the legislature.
- **Semi-presidential system (Russia)**: Dual executive: a directly elected president nominates a prime minister who must be approved by the legislature; the cabinet is accountable to both.
- **Vote of no confidence**: A parliamentary mechanism that removes the head of government when the legislature withdraws its support, a check that does not exist in presidential systems.
- **Fusion vs. separation of powers**: Parliamentary systems fuse executive and legislative authority; presidential systems formally separate them, creating independent branches with distinct powers.

**Checkpoint:** Can you identify which system type each of the six course countries uses and explain one structural feature that distinguishes it?

Feature | Parliamentary (UK) | Presidential (Mexico/Nigeria) | Semi-Presidential (Russia)
--- | --- | --- | ---
Executive selection | Chosen by legislature | Directly elected | President directly elected; PM nominated by president
Executive removal | Vote of no confidence | Impeachment only | Both mechanisms possible
Head of state vs. government | Separate (monarch/PM) | Same person (president) | President is head of state; PM heads government
Cabinet accountability | To legislature | To president | To both president and legislature
Branch relationship | Fused | Separated | Hybrid

### 2.2: Comparing Institutional Relations Across System Types

Parliamentary systems face fewer formal obstacles to passing policy because the executive controls the legislative majority. However, parliaments retain real checks: they can censure ministers, reject executive legislation, hold question time, and set deadlines for calling elections. Presidential systems create more institutional friction through divided branch powers but make executive removal much harder.

- **Parliamentary checks on the executive**: Censure motions, refusal to pass legislation, Question Time (UK), and the power to call new elections all constrain the prime minister even in a fused system.
- **Divided government (presidential)**: When the president's party does not control the legislature, policy gridlock becomes likely because neither branch can force the other to act.
- **Collective ministerial responsibility**: In parliamentary systems, cabinet members must publicly support government policy or resign, reinforcing executive unity.
- **Policy obstacles comparison**: Presidential systems have more formal veto points (veto power, supermajority overrides, separate elections) than parliamentary systems, making legislation harder to pass.

**Checkpoint:** What are two specific ways a parliament can check the executive even without removing the prime minister?

Check on Executive | Parliamentary System | Presidential System
--- | --- | ---
Removal mechanism | Vote of no confidence | Impeachment
Legislative rejection of policy | Yes, can defeat government bills | Yes, through veto and override
Questioning executive | Question Time (PMQs in UK) | Committee hearings
Censure of ministers | Yes, formal censure motions | Limited; impeachment is primary tool

### 2.3-2.4: Executive Systems and Term Limits

Each course country has a distinct executive structure. China's president combines party, state, and military leadership. Iran's Supreme Leader holds supreme authority above the elected president. Mexico's president serves a single sexenio. Nigeria's president serves up to two four-year terms. Russia's president dominates the semi-presidential system. The UK's prime minister leads the parliamentary majority. Term limits shape how long executives can hold power and carry real tradeoffs for stability and accountability.

- **China's executive structure**: The president serves as General Secretary of the CCP, chair of the Central Military Commission, and head of state; the premier heads the State Council and civil service; leadership transitions happen within the party, not through competitive elections.
- **Iran's dual executive**: The Supreme Leader sets the political agenda, commands the military, and appoints key officials; the elected president oversees the civil service and foreign policy but operates beneath the Supreme Leader's authority.
- **Sexenio (Mexico)**: Mexico's president serves one non-renewable six-year term, preventing re-election and reducing incumbency advantage but also creating a lame-duck dynamic in the final years.
- **Advantages of term limits**: Check executive power, reduce personality rule, focus the officeholder on governing rather than campaigning, and create openings for new leadership.
- **Disadvantages of term limits**: Force effective leaders out, disrupt policy continuity, create lame-duck periods, and can weaken accountability by removing electoral incentives.

**Checkpoint:** Compare how executive power is structured in China and Iran. What role does each country's non-elected institution play in constraining the formal executive?

### 2.5: Removal of Executives

Legislative branches across the six countries can remove executives, but the procedures and practical likelihood differ sharply by system type. Presidential systems use impeachment; parliamentary systems use votes of no confidence. In authoritarian or hybrid systems, formal removal mechanisms exist on paper but are rarely used against the dominant leader.

- **Impeachment (presidential systems)**: A formal legislative process charging the executive with wrongdoing; requires a supermajority for conviction and removal; used in Mexico and Nigeria.
- **Vote of no confidence (parliamentary systems)**: A legislative vote that removes the prime minister and cabinet when they lose majority support; the primary removal tool in the UK.
- **Constructive vote of no confidence**: A variant requiring the legislature to simultaneously elect a replacement before removing the sitting executive, preventing a power vacuum.
- **Removal in authoritarian contexts**: In China and Russia, formal removal procedures exist but the dominant party or president controls the legislature, making removal of the top leader through these mechanisms effectively impossible.

**Checkpoint:** Explain why a vote of no confidence is a more practical removal tool in the UK than impeachment is in Mexico or Nigeria.

### 2.6-2.7: Legislative Systems and Independence

Legislative structure varies from unicameral to bicameral and from genuinely independent to heavily constrained. China and Iran have unicameral legislatures that are formally powerful but practically subordinate to party or theocratic institutions. Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the UK all use bicameral systems. Legislative independence depends on whether outside bodies can override, veto, or control the legislature's agenda and membership.

- **National People's Congress (China)**: Unicameral; constitutionally the most powerful institution, but in practice the Politburo Standing Committee sets the agenda and makes real decisions; the NPC's Standing Committee handles legislative duties when the NPC is not in session.
- **Majles (Iran)**: Unicameral elected parliament that approves legislation, oversees the budget, and confirms cabinet nominees, but all legislation must pass Guardian Council review for compatibility with Islamic law.
- **Guardian Council (Iran)**: Vets candidates for the Majles and reviews all legislation for Sharia compliance; effectively constrains Majles independence from above.
- **Bicameral legislatures (Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, UK)**: Two-chamber systems where the lower house typically originates legislation and the upper house reviews it; specific powers vary by country (e.g., Mexico's Senate confirms Supreme Court appointments; Nigeria's Senate confirms executive nominees).
- **Legislative legitimacy function**: Even constrained legislatures can reinforce regime legitimacy by publicly debating policy, responding to public demands, and facilitating compromise between factions.

**Checkpoint:** What specific institution constrains the Majles in Iran, and what is the equivalent constraint on the NPC in China?

Country | Structure | Key Constraint on Legislature
--- | --- | ---
China | Unicameral (NPC) | Politburo Standing Committee; NPC Standing Committee controls agenda
Iran | Unicameral (Majles) | Guardian Council vets candidates and reviews legislation
Mexico | Bicameral | Presidential veto; relatively independent
Nigeria | Bicameral | Presidential veto; relatively independent
UK | Bicameral (Commons/Lords) | Parliamentary sovereignty; Lords has limited delaying power only

### 2.8-2.9: Judicial Systems and Independence

Judiciaries differ in how judges are appointed, how long they serve, and whether courts can actually overrule the executive or legislature. The key conceptual divide is between rule of law (law constrains the government) and rule by law (government uses law as a tool). Judicial independence depends on appointment processes, term length, removal procedures, and the professional standards required of judges.

- **Rule of law vs. rule by law**: Rule of law means all actors including the government are subject to law; rule by law means the government uses legal mechanisms to control others while remaining above accountability itself. China and Russia exemplify rule by law; the UK and Mexico move toward rule of law.
- **CCP control of judiciary (China)**: The Communist Party controls most judicial appointments and the Supreme People's Court operates within party directives, making genuine judicial independence absent.
- **Religious law basis for judiciary (Iran)**: Judges must be trained in Islamic Sharia law; the head of the judiciary is appointed by the Supreme Leader and can nominate half of the Guardian Council.
- **Judicial review (Mexico)**: Mexico's Supreme Court holds the power of judicial review; magistrates serve 15-year terms and are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, with ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening independence.
- **Factors in judicial independence**: Courts are more independent when they have strong authority to overrule other branches, when appointment processes limit political control, when terms are long or life-tenured, and when removal is difficult.

**Checkpoint:** Using two course countries, explain how the judicial appointment process either supports or undermines judicial independence.

Country | Rule of Law or Rule by Law | Key Independence Factor
--- | --- | ---
China | Rule by law | CCP controls appointments; no independent review
Iran | Rule by law (religious) | Supreme Leader appoints judiciary head; Sharia compliance required
Mexico | Transitioning toward rule of law | Judicial review exists; 15-year terms; Senate confirmation
Nigeria | Transitioning toward rule of law | Judicial council recommends appointments; presidential nomination
UK | Rule of law | Parliamentary sovereignty limits judicial review of primary legislation

## Study Guides

- [2.1 Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/parliamentary-presidential-semi-presidential-systems/study-guide/lHawA1movmFiqMkf2WJ0)
- [2.7 Independent Legislatures](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/independent-legislatures/study-guide/Vs6SME5s6OWJon0T8VSt)
- [2.8 Judicial Systems](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/judicial-systems/study-guide/b0arKXztb9ubeaa2Zm66)
- [2.2 Comparing Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/comparing-parliamentary-presidential-semi-presidential-systems/study-guide/bBDA5h4hol0IbkJWhVor)
- [2.3 Executive Systems](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/executive-systems/study-guide/dDQcnwREgI0YRpscsZsY)
- [2.4 Executive Term Limits](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/executive-term-limits/study-guide/hG9oQSqRwjQtcrG8c8RP)
- [2.6 Legislative Systems](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/legislative-systems/study-guide/jVV3UhFXUHIa31HAvINr)
- [2.9 Independent Judiciaries](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/independent-judiciaries/study-guide/ss0LgeWHgWhWToomRgaZ)
- [2.5 Removal of Executives](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/removal-executives/study-guide/x4wuYdFhiW6T8SOGU0NS)

## Practice Preview

### Multiple-choice practice

- **AP-style practice question**: Disciplinary Practice 1 - Concept Application | How do Iran's judicial appointments, five-year terms, and clerical override compare with UK parliamentary sovereignty in shaping judicial independence?
- **AP-style practice question**: Disciplinary Practice 3 - Data Analysis | From 2005–2022 Russian court data, opposition cases convict at 94% versus 67% for other cases. What does this pattern suggest about judicial structure and the rule of law?
- **AP-style practice question**: Disciplinary Practice 3 - Data Analysis | Between 2010 and 2023, Iran required Sharia training, China required party ideology training, Mexico required constitutional law training, and the UK required common law training. What does this variation reveal about how judicial systems define the rule of law?
- **AP-style practice question**: Disciplinary Practice 3 - Data Analysis | Mexican Supreme Court magistrates serve 15-year terms with Senate confirmation. Chinese judges serve indefinite terms appointed by the Communist Party. What structural outcome does this difference in tenure and appointment authority most directly produce?
- **AP-style practice question**: Disciplinary Practice 3 - Data Analysis | From 2000–2022, Iran's Supreme Leader appoints the Chief Justice and half the Guardian Council while Nigeria uses a Judicial Council, presidential nomination, and Senate confirmation. What does this structural difference reveal about balancing judicial independence and political accountability?
- **AP-style practice question**: Disciplinary Practice 3 - Data Analysis | From 2015 to 2023 Mexico reduced pending Supreme Court cases from 8,400 to 3,200 after reforms, while the UK kept annual caseloads near 80 to 90. What does this contrast imply about judicial structure and caseload capacity?

### FRQ practice

- **Parliamentary systems, no confidence votes, executive removal**: FRQ 1 – Conceptual Analysis | Parliamentary systems, no confidence votes, executive removal
- **FRQ 2 – Quantitative Analysis**: FRQ 2 – Quantitative Analysis
- **Executive term limits across different nations**: executive term limits | FRQ 3 – Comparative Analysis | Executive term limits across different nations

## Key Terms

- **Parliamentary Systems**: Government systems in which the executive is drawn from and accountable to the legislature; the prime minister leads the majority party or coalition and can be removed by a vote of no confidence. Example: United Kingdom.
- **Presidential Systems**: Government systems with a separately elected president who serves a fixed term as both head of state and head of government; the cabinet is accountable to the president, not the legislature. Examples: Mexico, Nigeria.
- **Semi-Presidential System**: A hybrid system with a directly elected president as head of state and a prime minister who must maintain legislative support; the cabinet is accountable to both. Example: Russia.
- **fusion of powers**: A feature of parliamentary systems in which the executive is integrated with the legislature, allowing the executive to exercise legislative authority and vice versa.
- **sexenio**: Mexico's single non-renewable six-year presidential term, which prevents re-election and limits incumbency advantage but creates a lame-duck dynamic late in the term.
- **Lame Duck Period**: The phase near the end of a fixed executive term when the officeholder has reduced political leverage because they cannot seek re-election or are soon leaving office.
- **Impeachment**: A formal legislative process charging a president or other executive official with wrongdoing; used in presidential systems like Mexico and Nigeria as the primary removal mechanism.
- **Guardian Council**: Iran's 12-member body that vets candidates for the Majles and reviews all legislation for compatibility with Islamic law, effectively constraining legislative independence.
- **Expediency Council**: An Iranian body appointed by the Supreme Leader that resolves disputes between the Majles and the Guardian Council and advises the Supreme Leader on policy.
- **National People's Congress**: China's unicameral legislature, constitutionally the most powerful institution, but in practice subordinate to the CCP's Politburo Standing Committee; elects the president and approves the premier.
- **Politburo Standing Committee**: The seven-member body at the top of the Chinese Communist Party that makes real governing decisions, effectively controlling the NPC's agenda and China's policy direction.
- **Rule of Law**: The principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied. Contrasts with rule by law, where the government uses law as a tool of control.
- **Judicial Independence**: The degree to which courts can rule against the executive and legislature without political interference, determined by appointment processes, term length, removal procedures, and the authority to overrule other branches.
- **Majles**: Iran's unicameral elected parliament that approves legislation, oversees the budget, and confirms cabinet nominees, but operates under Guardian Council supervision for Sharia compliance.
- **Supreme Leader**: Iran's highest authority, who sets the political agenda, commands the military, appoints key officials including the judiciary head and half of the Guardian Council, and operates above the elected president.

## Common Mistakes

- **Confusing head of state with head of government**: In presidential systems like Mexico and Nigeria, one person holds both roles. In parliamentary systems like the UK, the monarch is head of state and the prime minister is head of government. In Iran, the Supreme Leader and the president split these functions in a unique way that does not fit neatly into either category.
- **Treating the NPC as China's real power center**: The constitution designates the NPC as the most powerful institution, but in practice the Politburo Standing Committee makes real decisions. The NPC largely ratifies those decisions. Do not describe the NPC as independently powerful.
- **Assuming parliamentary systems have no checks on the executive**: Parliamentary systems have fewer formal veto points than presidential ones, but they still have real checks: censure motions, Question Time, refusal to pass legislation, and the vote of no confidence. Do not say parliamentary executives are unchecked.
- **Mixing up the Guardian Council and the Expediency Council**: The Guardian Council vets candidates and reviews legislation for Sharia compliance. The Expediency Council resolves disputes between the Majles and the Guardian Council. They are separate institutions with different functions, both appointed or overseen by the Supreme Leader.
- **Equating rule of law with the existence of courts**: All six countries have courts, but not all operate under rule of law. China and Russia use courts as instruments of state power (rule by law). Having a judiciary does not mean that judiciary is independent or that the government is constrained by law.

## Exam Connections

- **Institutional comparison tasks**: The AP exam frequently asks you to compare how a specific institutional feature, such as executive removal, legislative structure, or judicial appointment, works differently in two or more course countries. Practice identifying the relevant institution, naming its structural feature, and explaining the consequence for power or accountability. Avoid vague answers; name the specific body (e.g., Guardian Council, Politburo Standing Committee) and its function.
- **Explaining tradeoffs and consequences**: Free-response tasks in AP Comparative Government often ask you to explain why an institutional arrangement produces a particular outcome, such as why term limits can both check power and reduce accountability, or why parliamentary systems face fewer policy obstacles than presidential ones. Practice building explanations that move from institutional design to political consequence using specific country evidence.
- **Classifying regime types through institutional evidence**: The exam tests whether you can use institutional evidence to support claims about regime type. For example, CCP control of judicial appointments and the NPC's rubber-stamp role are evidence of authoritarian consolidation in China, while Mexico's judicial review power and Senate confirmation process are evidence of democratic institution-building. Practice connecting Unit 2 institutional details to the regime classification concepts from Unit 1.

## Final Review Checklist

- **Identify the system type for all six countries**: Know which countries use parliamentary, presidential, or semi-presidential systems and be able to name one structural feature that defines each country's arrangement.
- **Compare executive accountability mechanisms**: Explain the difference between a vote of no confidence and impeachment, and identify which countries use each. Be able to describe why removal is practically difficult in China and Russia.
- **Describe executive structure in each country**: For each of the six countries, know the title of the chief executive, whether the head of state and head of government are the same person, and one key power or constraint on that executive.
- **Explain term limit tradeoffs**: List at least two advantages and two disadvantages of executive term limits and connect them to a specific course country example such as Mexico's sexenio.
- **Distinguish unicameral from bicameral legislatures**: Know which countries have unicameral versus bicameral legislatures and identify one specific power of a named legislative chamber in at least three countries.
- **Explain constraints on legislative independence**: Describe how the Politburo Standing Committee and NPC Standing Committee limit the NPC in China, and how the Guardian Council and Expediency Council constrain the Majles in Iran.
- **Compare judicial independence across countries**: Use the rule of law versus rule by law distinction to compare at least two countries, and explain how appointment processes or term structures affect judicial independence.

## Study Plan

- **Step 1: Map the system types and executive structures**: Start with Topics 2.1 and 2.3. Read the topic guides for parliamentary, presidential, and semi-presidential systems, then build a quick reference chart listing each country's system type, executive title, and one key structural feature. This gives you the foundation for every comparison task in the unit.
- **Step 2: Work through executive accountability (term limits and removal)**: Read the topic guides for 2.2, 2.4, and 2.5 together. Focus on how each system type handles executive removal and what term limit rules apply in each country. Practice explaining the tradeoffs of term limits using Mexico's sexenio as your primary example.
- **Step 3: Compare legislative structures and constraints**: Use the topic guides for 2.6 and 2.7. Create a table distinguishing unicameral from bicameral legislatures and listing the specific institution that constrains each legislature (Politburo Standing Committee for China, Guardian Council for Iran). Review the key terms for the NPC, Majles, and Guardian Council.
- **Step 4: Analyze judicial systems and independence**: Read the topic guides for 2.8 and 2.9. Focus on the rule of law versus rule by law distinction and practice applying it to at least three countries. Review how appointment processes in Mexico and Nigeria differ from those in China and Iran.
- **Step 5: Practice comparison tasks across the full unit**: Use the available practice questions and FRQ practice to apply what you have reviewed. Focus on tasks that ask you to compare two or more countries on a single institutional dimension, such as executive removal or judicial independence. Use the AP score calculator to estimate where you stand and identify remaining gaps.

## More Ways To Review

- [Topic study guides](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2#topics)
- [FRQ practice](/ap-comp-gov/frq-practice)
- [Cram archive videos](/cram-archives?subject=ap-comparative-government&unit=unit-2)
- [Cheatsheets](/ap-comp-gov/cheatsheets/unit-2)
- [Key terms](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms)

## FAQs

### What topics are covered in AP Comp Gov Unit 2?

AP Comp Gov Unit 2 covers 9 topics focused on how governments are structured and how power is exercised. Topics include Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems (2.1-2.2), Executive Systems and Term Limits (2.3-2.4), Removal of Executives (2.5), Legislative Systems and Independent Legislatures (2.6-2.7), and Judicial Systems and Independent Judiciaries (2.8-2.9). The big thread running through all 9 topics is how institutional design shapes stability, legitimacy, and policy. You'll compare how the UK, Mexico, Russia, China, Iran, and Nigeria each structure their branches of government. See the full topic list at [/ap-comp-gov/unit-2](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2).

### How much of the AP Comp Gov exam is Unit 2?

Unit 2 makes up 22-33% of the AP Comp Gov exam, making it one of the most heavily tested units on the entire test. It covers political institutions, including executive, legislative, and judicial systems across the six course countries. Because the exam weight is so high, questions about parliamentary vs. presidential systems, executive term limits, and judicial independence show up constantly, both in multiple-choice and free-response sections. Knowing how each country's institutions work, and how to compare them, is essential for a strong score.

### What's on the AP Comp Gov Unit 2 progress check (MCQ and FRQ)?

The AP Comp Gov Unit 2 progress check includes both MCQ and FRQ parts drawn from all 9 topics in the Political Institutions unit. The MCQ section tests your ability to identify and compare parliamentary, presidential, and semi-presidential systems, explain executive term limits and removal processes, and distinguish independent from dependent legislatures and judiciaries. The FRQ part of the progress check typically asks you to compare institutional structures across two or more course countries, such as explaining how the UK's parliamentary system differs from Mexico's presidential system, or analyzing what makes a judiciary independent. To prep for the progress check, review each topic's key concepts and practice applying them to specific countries at [/ap-comp-gov/unit-2](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2).

### How do I practice AP Comp Gov Unit 2 FRQs?

AP Comp Gov Unit 2 FRQs most often ask you to compare executive, legislative, or judicial systems across two or more of the six course countries, explain how a specific institutional feature affects stability or legitimacy, or analyze the consequences of executive removal or term limits. The most common question types are Comparative Analysis and Conceptual Analysis prompts. To practice effectively, pick one topic at a time, such as Independent Judiciaries (2.9) or Executive Term Limits (2.4), and write a short response comparing two countries. Focus on using specific evidence, like China's National People's Congress vs. the UK's Parliament, rather than general claims. You can find practice prompts and study guides at [/ap-comp-gov/unit-2](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2).

### Where can I find AP Comp Gov Unit 2 practice questions?

You can find AP Comp Gov Unit 2 multiple-choice questions, practice tests, and FRQ prompts covering Political Institutions at [/ap-comp-gov/unit-2](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2). That page organizes practice by topic, so you can target specific areas like Legislative Systems (2.6) or Judicial Independence (2.9) before moving to full unit practice tests. For MCQ practice, focus on questions that ask you to identify system types, compare institutional features across countries, and interpret scenarios involving executive removal or legislative power. Mixing topic-level MCQs with timed full-unit practice tests is the most efficient way to build confidence before exam day.

### How should I study AP Comp Gov Unit 2?

Start by building a comparison chart for the three system types covered in topics 2.1 and 2.2: parliamentary, presidential, and semi-presidential. Map each of the six course countries to its system type, then add columns for executive powers, term limits, removal processes, legislative structure, and judicial independence as you work through topics 2.3-2.9. Here's a concrete study plan that works well for this unit: - **Week 1:** Study topics 2.1-2.5 (executive systems). For each country, note who holds executive power and how they can be removed.
- **Week 2:** Study topics 2.6-2.9 (legislative and judicial systems). Focus on what makes a legislature or judiciary truly independent.
- **Week 3:** Practice FRQs comparing two countries on one institutional feature, then review your chart before the progress check. Since Unit 2 is worth 22-33% of the exam, time spent here pays off more than almost anywhere else. Find topic guides and practice at [/ap-comp-gov/unit-2](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2).

## Structured Data

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{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","inLanguage":"en","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/unit-2#what-topics-are-covered-in-ap-comp-gov-unit-2","name":"What topics are covered in AP Comp Gov Unit 2?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"AP Comp Gov Unit 2 covers 9 topics focused on how governments are structured and how power is exercised. Topics include Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems (2.1-2.2), Executive Systems and Term Limits (2.3-2.4), Removal of Executives (2.5), Legislative Systems and Independent Legislatures (2.6-2.7), and Judicial Systems and Independent Judiciaries (2.8-2.9). The big thread running through all 9 topics is how institutional design shapes stability, legitimacy, and policy. You'll compare how the UK, Mexico, Russia, China, Iran, and Nigeria each structure their branches of government. See the full topic list at <a href=\"/ap-comp-gov/unit-2\">/ap-comp-gov/unit-2</a>."}},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/unit-2#how-much-of-the-ap-comp-gov-exam-is-unit-2","name":"How much of the AP Comp Gov exam is Unit 2?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Unit 2 makes up 22-33% of the AP Comp Gov exam, making it one of the most heavily tested units on the entire test. It covers political institutions, including executive, legislative, and judicial systems across the six course countries. Because the exam weight is so high, questions about parliamentary vs. presidential systems, executive term limits, and judicial independence show up constantly, both in multiple-choice and free-response sections. Knowing how each country's institutions work, and how to compare them, is essential for a strong score."}},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/unit-2#whats-on-the-ap-comp-gov-unit-2-progress-check-mcq-and-frq","name":"What's on the AP Comp Gov Unit 2 progress check (MCQ and FRQ)?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The AP Comp Gov Unit 2 progress check includes both MCQ and FRQ parts drawn from all 9 topics in the Political Institutions unit. The MCQ section tests your ability to identify and compare parliamentary, presidential, and semi-presidential systems, explain executive term limits and removal processes, and distinguish independent from dependent legislatures and judiciaries. The FRQ part of the progress check typically asks you to compare institutional structures across two or more course countries, such as explaining how the UK's parliamentary system differs from Mexico's presidential system, or analyzing what makes a judiciary independent. To prep for the progress check, review each topic's key concepts and practice applying them to specific countries at <a href=\"/ap-comp-gov/unit-2\">/ap-comp-gov/unit-2</a>."}},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/unit-2#how-do-i-practice-ap-comp-gov-unit-2-frqs","name":"How do I practice AP Comp Gov Unit 2 FRQs?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"AP Comp Gov Unit 2 FRQs most often ask you to compare executive, legislative, or judicial systems across two or more of the six course countries, explain how a specific institutional feature affects stability or legitimacy, or analyze the consequences of executive removal or term limits. The most common question types are Comparative Analysis and Conceptual Analysis prompts. To practice effectively, pick one topic at a time, such as Independent Judiciaries (2.9) or Executive Term Limits (2.4), and write a short response comparing two countries. Focus on using specific evidence, like China's National People's Congress vs. the UK's Parliament, rather than general claims. You can find practice prompts and study guides at <a href=\"/ap-comp-gov/unit-2\">/ap-comp-gov/unit-2</a>."}},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/unit-2#where-can-i-find-ap-comp-gov-unit-2-practice-questions","name":"Where can I find AP Comp Gov Unit 2 practice questions?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"You can find AP Comp Gov Unit 2 multiple-choice questions, practice tests, and FRQ prompts covering Political Institutions at <a href=\"/ap-comp-gov/unit-2\">/ap-comp-gov/unit-2</a>. That page organizes practice by topic, so you can target specific areas like Legislative Systems (2.6) or Judicial Independence (2.9) before moving to full unit practice tests. For MCQ practice, focus on questions that ask you to identify system types, compare institutional features across countries, and interpret scenarios involving executive removal or legislative power. Mixing topic-level MCQs with timed full-unit practice tests is the most efficient way to build confidence before exam day."}},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/unit-2#how-should-i-study-ap-comp-gov-unit-2","name":"How should I study AP Comp Gov Unit 2?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Start by building a comparison chart for the three system types covered in topics 2.1 and 2.2: parliamentary, presidential, and semi-presidential. Map each of the six course countries to its system type, then add columns for executive powers, term limits, removal processes, legislative structure, and judicial independence as you work through topics 2.3-2.9. Here's a concrete study plan that works well for this unit: - **Week 1:** Study topics 2.1-2.5 (executive systems). For each country, note who holds executive power and how they can be removed.\n- **Week 2:** Study topics 2.6-2.9 (legislative and judicial systems). Focus on what makes a legislature or judiciary truly independent.\n- **Week 3:** Practice FRQs comparing two countries on one institutional feature, then review your chart before the progress check. Since Unit 2 is worth 22-33% of the exam, time spent here pays off more than almost anywhere else. Find topic guides and practice at <a href=\"/ap-comp-gov/unit-2\">/ap-comp-gov/unit-2</a>."}}]}
```