2.5 Removal of Executives

This is a relatively simple topic — it requires you to understand how executive leaders can be removed by other branches in each of the course countries.

Before we dive into country-specific examples, it's important to address a key question:

“What is the importance of the ability to remove the executive?”

The ability to remove an executive is crucial because it serves as a check on abuses of power committed by those in office. This process is vital for holding politicians accountable and maintaining public trust in government. While the removal of an executive is typically a rare and serious event, it reinforces the principle that leaders are answerable for their actions.

Removal of the Executive Examples

Now, let’s look at how this process works in each course country:

🇬🇧 The UK:

• The UK has fused power 🤲 between the executive and legislative branches.
• The Prime Minister can be removed through a confidence motion. If a vote of confidence is defeated or a vote of no confidence is passed in Parliament, the Prime Minister must either resign 🗞️ or call a general election.
• Example: In March 1979, Prime Minister James Callaghan lost a motion of no confidence following his failed referendum on Devolution (⏰ vocab alert — devolution refers to the transfer of power from a central government to a regional government). This led to Callaghan’s defeat in the general election by Margaret Thatcher.

🇷🇺 Russia:

• Russia’s legislature can impeach the president through a detailed constitutional process.
• The impeachment process requires:
  1. 1/3 of the lower house (Duma) to sign a petition for impeachment.
  2. Approval by the upper house (Federation Council).
  3. A ruling from the Constitutional Court.
• If the impeachment is successful, the Vice President assumes the presidency.
• Example: This process was attempted three times during Boris Yeltsin's presidency — and failed all three times.

🇨🇳 China:

• The National People's Congress (NPC) has the authority to remove the President.
• However, no formal process is outlined for this removal.
• If the President or Premier leaves office due to circumstances like illness, the NPC appoints a replacement.

🇳🇬 Nigeria:

• The Nigerian legislature can impeach the president through a 2/3 majority vote in both the lower and upper houses if the president is found guilty of "gross misconduct".
• Example: This occurred once in Nigerian history — in 1993, with former President Shehu Shagari.

🇲🇽 Mexico:

• The Mexican Constitution 📜 outlines the process for impeachment.
• The removal process requires approval by 2/3 of both the lower and upper houses of Congress.
• Example: In 1976, former president Luis Echeverría faced impeachment proceedings. Although the Chamber of Deputies (lower house) voted for his removal, the Senate (upper house) ultimately rejected the motion.

🇮🇷 Iran:

• The Supreme Leader 🛐 can be removed by the Assembly of Experts — a body of 88 Islamic scholars elected by the people.
• While this process exists, it has never been used. Additionally, the process itself is not clearly defined.
• The President can be removed either by the Supreme Leader or by the legislature.

Now that you have a solid understanding of the executive branch's removal process, it's time to move on to the next branch of government — The Legislative Branch!