Political Configuration in Legislative Formation: A Comparative Study of Indonesia, The United States, and The United Kingdom

Indonesia, as a country with a presidential political system, illustrates a political configuration rooted in the dynamics between the executive and legislative branches. The People's Consultative Assembly (DPR) as the legislative institution plays a central role in the formation of legislation. However, the political configuration in Indonesia involves not only dominant political parties in the DPR but also the dynamics among the DPR, the government, and the Regional Representative Council (DPD). Coalitions and political alliances play a crucial role in shaping policies, with the DPR ensuring a balance of power.

The significance of the balance of power is also evident in the legislative formation process in the United States. Its presidential political system, based on the principle of checks and balances, places Congress as the primary legislative body. The Senate and the House of Representatives play pivotal roles in drafting and ratifying legislation. The dynamics of political parties, particularly within the context of the distinctive two-party system, create a political configuration that requires careful negotiation and compromise.

The United Kingdom, with its parliamentary political system and constitutional monarchy, presents a different political configuration. The Parliament, consisting of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, plays a major role in legislative formation. Although the monarchy has a ceremonial role in providing royal assent, the actual executive power lies with the government led by the Prime Minister. This political configuration reflects the dynamic relationship between the executive and legislative branches.

In the context of political configuration, the role of political parties cannot be overlooked. In Indonesia, political parties play a key role in determining the direction and priorities of legislative formation. Coalitions and party dynamics influence the legislative process, creating a dynamic political configuration. In the United States, with its dominant two-party system, it reflects a competitive political configuration where the rivalry between Republicans and Democrats plays a central role in the form and substance of the legislation produced.

The United Kingdom, despite having significant political parties, faces a different political configuration due to its parliamentary system. The Cabinet, formed by parliamentarians appointed by the Prime Minister, plays a crucial role in determining policies. Party factions in parliament influence political dynamics and legislative formation, but the parliamentary structure provides greater space for the executive to shape policies.

It is also important to consider the role of public opinion in the political configuration. In Indonesia, the presence of civil society and public participation is increasingly considered in the legislative formation process. However, challenges of transparency and civil society participation persist. In the United States, with a political system responsive to public opinion, it presents a political configuration highly influenced by the perceptions and desires of the public. In the United Kingdom, especially after Brexit, public opinion plays a crucial role in designing and shaping policies.

When considering the concept of political configuration, the role of independent institutions and the judiciary should not be overlooked. In Indonesia, the Constitutional Court and the Financial Audit Agency play a crucial role in ensuring the balance of power and legality of legislation. In the United States, the Supreme Court has the authority to assess the constitutionality of legislation, creating a political configuration that involves the judiciary in legislative oversight. In the United Kingdom, the Supreme Court and independent legal bodies play a similar role.

In summary, the comparison of legislative formation in Indonesia, the United States, and the United Kingdom involves a complex political configuration. The concept of political configuration provides in-depth insights into the interaction among institutions, political parties, and public opinion in determining the direction and substance of the law.