Visual journalism
Power Maps
Visual guides to who can decide, who can block and how authority moves through political systems. These maps focus on institutional mechanics rather than geography alone.
Security
From national position to NATO decision
1National governments form positions
2Allies consult in committees and the North Atlantic Council
3Consensus is built without a formal vote
4The North Atlantic Council authorises collective action
Political Economy
The sanctions chain
1High Representative or member state advances a proposal
2Council working groups and Coreper negotiate
3Council adopts the CFSP decision unanimously
4Economic measures are implemented through an EU regulation
Institutions
Where Commission power enters the system
1Commission develops and proposes legislation
2Parliament and Council negotiate and adopt most laws
3Commission implements policy and manages programmes
4Commission monitors compliance and can pursue infringements
Institutions
Ordinary legislative procedure
1European Commission proposes
2Parliament and Council examine and amend
3Institutions negotiate a common text
4Parliament and Council approve identical text
Courts & Law
Constructive vote of no confidence
1Opponents identify a replacement candidate
2Bundestag votes on the successor
3An absolute majority must elect the replacement
4Federal President dismisses the incumbent and appoints the successor
Institutions
Who sets US monetary policy?
1Seven-member Board of Governors
2New York Fed president
3Four rotating regional Fed presidents
412 voting FOMC members set monetary policy
Institutions
A substantive Security Council decision
115 Council members consider a proposal
2At least nine affirmative votes are required
3A negative vote from any permanent member blocks adoption
4A permanent-member abstention can still allow adoption
Institutions
From presidential direction to practical effect
1President issues an executive order
2Agencies interpret and implement it
3Existing statutes and appropriations constrain action
4Courts can review legality
Institutions
The constitutional impeachment process
1House investigates or considers charges
2House votes on articles of impeachment
3Senate conducts a trial
4Two-thirds of senators present are required to convict
Institutions
Congressional checks on executive power
1Legislation defines statutory authority
2Appropriations control federal spending
3Committees investigate and conduct oversight
4Senate acts on specified nominations and treaties
Institutions
Routes to a change of UK government or prime minister
1Government loses or risks Commons confidence
2Prime minister may resign or party may change leader
3An alternative government may be able to command confidence
4A general election can return a new House of Commons
Institutions
Article 49.3 in practice
1Government invokes Article 49 paragraph 3 on eligible text
2The bill is treated as adopted unless a no-confidence motion succeeds
3Deputies may table a motion within the constitutional window
4If the motion passes, the government must resign
Institutions
From application to EU membership
1European country applies for membership
2Member states agree candidate status and negotiating framework
3Candidate negotiates and implements the acquis
4Accession treaty is agreed
Institutions
State power inside federal lawmaking
1Land governments appoint Bundesrat delegations
2Bills reach the Bundesrat through constitutional procedures
3Consent laws require Bundesrat approval
4Other bills may face objection and mediation
Security
From sanctions decision to enforcement
1Government or international body adopts restrictions
2Domestic or regional law gives restrictions legal effect
3Regulators publish designations and guidance
4Banks and companies screen transactions and counterparties
Courts & Law
From alleged crime to an ICC case
1Jurisdictional basis brings a situation within the Court's reach
2Prosecutor investigates under Rome Statute rules
3Judges decide specified procedural questions and warrants
4States are relied on for arrests and cooperation
Political Economy
How IMF influence operates
1Members contribute resources through quotas and other arrangements
2IMF monitors economies and publishes surveillance
3A member may request financial assistance
4Programme terms and policy commitments are negotiated