Chapter 11: Nigeria

Nigeria's key institutions were greatly influenced by the British Westminster model and Nigeria even had a prime minister

as chief of government but in 1979 the constitution shifted to a modified model that resembles a U.S. presidential style 

system. Like the U.S., Nigeria's president combines the head of state with chief of government with a four year term. The

U.S. model shows up again in Nigeria's legislative branch with their bicameral National Assembly, the senate contains 109 

seats, all 36 states have 3 senate seats, the House of Representatives has 360 seats , 10 for each state. The difference 

between the U.S., Nigerian model is that Nigeria gives each state 10 seats in the House of Representatives regardless of 

the population. 

Attached is an article that argues that although the model of the government resembles and shares several parallels with
the U.S., Nigeria maintains an inefficient, systematic  and corrupt local government.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/10/opinion/maja-pearce-in-nigeria-politics-isnt-local.html?_r=0

Nicaragua's Social Progress Index: 62nd

Nicaragua is ranked 62nd on the Social Progress Index. Issues concerning the Basic Human Needs Dimension, Nicaragua does best in terms of Nutrition and Basic Medical Care, offering its citizens several opportunities to better their wellbeing by focusing on Shelter which means the country focuses on providing citizens with affordable housing, access to electricity and the quality of electricity supply. To my personal surprise Nicaragua surpasses other countries in regards to providing citizens with the access to basic knowledge and in providing people opportunities to improve their position within society. They also scored highly in personal freedom and choice but Nicaragua would benefit from investing in giving citizens access to advanced education and access to information and communications. 

Chapter 10: Brazil

Brazils parliament is bicameral with the lower house consisting of 513 members, each elected for four year terms. The largest party is Lula’s PT but only has 88 seats. During elections each of the 15 parties us a multimember PR district where candidates can either pick a party or pencil the name of the preferred candidates into the ballot. Historically the military presidents have had and maintained more power than civilian successors. The military has served as part of Brazils political institutions for several years due to the countries weak political infrastructure. For example, when the country reaches a state of distress and chaos, the military has to step into political positions due to the disorganization and incapability of the countries politicians to properly handle the demands of the general public. 

In the link below, further proof of the militaries influence is depicted as Brazils defense minister finally agreed to investigate potential human rights abuses on the behalf of the military facilities believed to be committed during the countries 21 year old dictatorship.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/brazil-armed-forces-to-probe-dictatorship-abuses/2014/04/01/273442bc-b9e3-11e3-80de-2ff8801f27af_story.html