From ChatGPT:
What are Political Norms?
Political norms refer to the unwritten rules, expectations, and practices that shape how political actors behave within a system or society. These norms help guide interactions between politicians, citizens, and institutions, and they can be deeply rooted in culture, history, and social values. While political norms aren't formally codified in laws or constitutions, they still influence decisions, behaviors, and the overall functioning of politics.
When these norms are upheld, political systems tend to function more smoothly. However, when norms break down or are violated, it can lead to political instability, conflict, or erosion of trust in the system.
Provide Examples of Political Norms.
Here are some examples of political norms:
1 - Respecting Election Outcomes: In many democratic systems, there’s a strong norm that politicians and citizens accept the results of free and fair elections, even if they disagree with the outcome. This prevents political chaos and upholds the integrity of the democratic process.
2 - Peaceful Transfer of Power: In democracies, it’s an important norm that when one political leader or party loses an election, they peacefully hand over power to the winner. This norm promotes stability and avoids violent conflicts after elections.
3 - Bipartisan Cooperation: While political parties may have different views, there’s often a norm in democratic systems that encourages some level of cooperation across party lines to pass legislation, particularly on issues that are seen as in the national interest.
4 - Civility in Political Discourse: There’s a longstanding norm in many democratic societies that politicians engage in debates and discussions with a level of respect and civility, even when they strongly disagree. This helps to maintain a healthy public discourse.
5 - Transparency and Accountability: A political norm in many countries is the expectation that government officials be transparent in their decision-making and be held accountable for their actions. This helps build trust in political institutions.
6 - Separation of Powers: In many countries, there’s a norm that the branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) remain independent from one another to prevent any single branch from gaining too much power.
7 - Respect for Constitutional Principles: Politicians are generally expected to act in ways that uphold the fundamental principles of the constitution, such as individual rights, the rule of law, and democratic governance.
8 - Voting as a Civic Duty: In many democracies, there’s a norm that citizens participate in elections by voting, viewing it as a key part of their responsibility in the political system.
9 - Political Etiquette: There are often informal norms about how politicians and public officials should behave in specific situations, such as adhering to certain dress codes, addressing colleagues with respect, or following protocol in meetings and public events.
These norms vary across cultures and political systems, but they play a key role in shaping how politics operates in any given society. When these norms are followed, it tends to create a more stable and functioning political environment.
You may wish to ask ChatGPT the following questions:
- Provide examples of political norms in the legislature.
- Provide examples of political norms in the executive.
- Provide examples of political norms in the judiciary.
Some High Level Reading:
- Political Norms, Constitutional Conventions, and President Donald Trump.
- PRESIDENTIAL NORMS AND ARTICLE II.
