African Governments SS7CG1 The student will compare and contrast various forms of government. a. Describe the ways government systems distribute power: unitary, confederation, and federal. b. Explain how governments determine citizen participation: autocratic, oligarchic, and democratic. c. Describe the two predominant forms of democratic governments: parliamentary and presidential.

I. Forms of Government Unitary – a single, national government has all of the power. There is no state or local government that is independent of the national government Central government has all the power to make laws and decisions for the people The central government controls smaller, weaker regions (states, cities, etc) Examples: Kenya, Egypt, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Lesotho, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Israel, and China

Unitary Central > Regional

Forms of Government Confederation –made up of various provincial or state governments. There is a loose national alliance between them, but most of the power is with the provincial or state governments. The national government has some power, but the smaller governments within the confederation have a great deal of power Voluntary alliance of independent regional authorities come together for a specific purpose (trade, security, etc.) Often assign only a few powers to the central authority Individual states make their own laws and decisions Less binding than a federation Examples: OPEC, United Nations, and European Union

Confederations Central < Regional

Forms of Government Federations – government in which a strong national government shares power with provincial or state governments. Most of the power is in the hands of the national government, but some authority is reserved for the state or province. States are given considerable self-rule Examples: South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, United States, and India

Federation Central = Regional

Ways Government Distributes Power All key powers are held by the central government State/regional authorities hold most of the power Unitary Federal Confederation Strong central government Weaker central government

II. Citizen Participation 3 basic types of government Autocracies Oligarchies Democracies

Autocracies Ruled by one self-appointed ruler or dictator. Citizens do not have much say The ruler does what he/she wants and does not need the approval of the people Autocratic leaders rule until they die, are overthrown, or decide to resign from office Autocratic leaders get their power from inheritance or ruthless use of military or police power Types – absolute monarchy and absolute or totalitarian dictatorship Examples: Muammar al Gaddafi was an autocratic leader of Libya until he was overthrown and killed

Oligarchies Ruled by a small group (Elite families, military officers, religious leaders, and/or members of the upper class) Those who are part of this dominant group have a say, but the citizens outside of elite group have very little say Rulers get their power to rule from military power, social power, wealth, religion or a combination. Political opposition is usually suppressed- sometimes violently Types: theocracy and communism

How Governments Determine Citizen Participation Autocracy & Oligarchy Sometimes claim they rule for the people. In reality, the people have very little say in both types of government. Examples- May hold elections with only one candidate or control the results in various ways. Examples- Even when these governments have a legislature or national assembly, they often only approve decisions made by the leaders. Remy, Richard C., United States Government- Democracy in Action (Columbus, OH: Glencoe, McGraw-Hill, 2006)

Democracies Ruled by the people Citizens have a voice in their government Elect leaders and often get to vote on laws People of all classes who are qualified citizens are allowed to vote and have a say in their government The democratic leaders get their power from the citizens Types: constitutional monarchy and republic Example: South Africa

How Governments Determine Citizen Participation High Participation High Participation Select Citizens’ Participation General Citizens’ Participation Government Power Citizen Participation Government Power Government Power Citizen Participation Low or No Participation Low or No Participation Low or No Participation Autocratic Oligarchic Democracy

2 Major Forms of Democratic Government Presidential Democracy Parliamentary Democracy Power rests predominantly with a legislative body or parliament The parliament selects government ministers and elects a prime minister who serves as both the leader of the legislature and as the nation’s head of government Often there is also a head of state (president or monarch), but the head of state has very little power Citizens have a say- elect members of parliament who then choose government leaders Power is divided between the legislature and an executive (usually called president) President and legislature have clearly defined powers; they work together, but neither has authority over the other. Citizens have a say- citizens elect their legislature and the president separately