Executive Constraints Concept. Polity IV.

Quick info
Data type	Numeric
Scale	Ordinal
Value labels	1 = Unlimited Authority 2 = Intermediate Category 3 = Slight to Moderate Limitation 4 = Intermediate Category 5 = Substantial Limitations 6 = Intermediate Category 7 = Parity or Subordination
Technical name	polnat_polity_exconst
Category	Political factors
Label	Executive Constraints Concept
Related indicators	Executive Constraints (Decision Rules). Polity IV.

This variable is identical to XCONST. It is unclear why Polity IV has both but we include both as they are both in the Polity IV data. Operationally, this variable refers to the extent of institutionalized constraints on the decision making powers of chief executives, whether individuals or collectivities. Such limitations may be imposed by any "accountability groups." In Western democracies these are usually legislatures. Other kinds of accountability groups are the ruling party in a one-party state; councils of nobles or powerful advisors in monarchies; the military in coup-prone polities; and in many states a strong, independent judiciary. The concern is therefore with the checks and balances between the various parts of the decision-making process.

Coding rules

A seven-category scale is used.
(1) Unlimited Authority: There are no regular limitations on the executive's actions (as distinct from irregular limitations such as the threat or actuality of coups and assassinations). Note: If the executive is given limited or unlimited power by a legislature to cope with an emergency and relents this power after the emergency has passed, this is not a change to unlimited authority.
Examples of evidence:

1. i. Constitutional restrictions on executive action are ignored.
2. ii. Constitution is frequently revised or suspended at the executive's initiative.
3. iii. There is no legislative assembly, or there is one but it is called and dismissed at the executive's pleasure.
4. iv. The executive appoints a majority of members of any accountability group and can remove them at will.
5. v. The legislature cannot initiate legislation or veto or suspend acts of the executive.
6. vi. Rule by decree is repeatedly used.

(2) Intermediate Category

(3) Slight to Moderate Limitation on Executive Authority: There are some real but limited restraints on the executive. Evidence:

1. i. The legislature initiates some categories of legislation.
2. ii. The legislature blocks implementation of executive acts and decrees.
3. iii. Attempts by the executive to change some constitutional restrictions, such as prohibitions on succeeding himself, or extending his term, fail and are not adopted.
4. iv. The ruling party initiates some legislation or takes some administrative action independently of the executive.
5. v. The legislature or party approves some categories of appointments nominated by the executive.
6. vi. There is an independent judiciary.
7. vii. Situations in which there exists a civilian executive, but in which policy decisions, for all practical purposes, reflect the demands of the military.

(4) Intermediate Category

(5) Substantial Limitations on Executive Authority: The executive has more effective authority than any accountability group but is subject to substantial constraints by them. Examples:

1. i. A legislature or party council often modifies or defeats executive proposals for action.
2. ii. A council or legislature sometimes refuses funds to the executive.
3. iii. The accountability group makes important appointments to administrative posts.
4. iv. The legislature refuses the executive permission to leave the country.


(6) Intermediate Category


(7) Executive Parity or Subordination: Accountability groups have effective authority equal to or greater than the executive in most areas of activity. Examples of evidence:



1. i. A legislature, ruling party, or council of nobles initiates much or most important legislation.
2. ii. The executive (president, premier, king, cabinet, council) is chosen by the

accountability group and is dependent on its continued support to remain in office

(as in most parliamentary systems).
3. iii. In multi-party democracies, there is chronic "cabinet instability."




Bibliographic info

Citation: Marshall, Monty G., Ted Robert Gurr, and Keith Jaggers. 2017. Dataset Users’ Manual. Polity IV Project. Political Regime Characteristics and Transitions, 1800-2016. Center for Systemic Peace. https://www.systemicpeace.org/inscr/p4manualv2016.pdf.


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Misc

Project manager(s): project managers




Data release:
• Version 0.001: Initial release


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