Distribution of Power SS6CG4 The student will compare and contrast various forms of government. a. Describe the ways government systems distribute power: unitary, confederation, and federal.

What is a Government System? Every country has a government that is set up in it own distinct way One thing that a country has to decide on is how to organize its government and distribute power There are 3 main ways governments spread their power: Unitary Confederation Federal

Unitary Government Central government operates all levels of government in the country Assigns power to state & local government Ex) leader might have the power to choose the governor or mayor Ex) can give power to a legislature allowing the state or local government to govern itself, then the central government could decide to dissolve legislature and control region directly

Unitary Government

Examples of Unitary Governments Many countries in the world are run this way Examples – Cuba and the United Kingdom Unitary is not the structure of the US government: our Congress does not have the power to dissolve state legislatures or appoint governors

Unitary Governments of the World

Questions to Consider… Question – How is power distributed in a unitary government? Answer – A central government assigns power and duties to smaller units of government within the country Question – True or False: In a unitary government, the national government could remove the governor of a state and pick a new one. Answer – True Question – Cuba and the United Kingdom – What do these countries have in common? Answer – All have unitary government systems

Confederation Governments Some countries agree that they would be better able to solve problems or provide help if they worked together They might sign a treaty or a constitution under which the countries agree to defend each other, trade with each other, use a common currency, etc. This is called a confederation government Membership is usually voluntary & a country can decide to leave at any time

Confederation Governments

Confederation Governments Not commonly found among governments in the 21st century because there are several problems with them: Often have little power because a high percentage of members must agree to decisions made Individual countries can veto decisions Changes in the constitution requires all members to agree Confederations generally have a weak central government

Examples of Confederation Governments US tried this type of government from 1777 to 1787 States considered themselves to be separate countries Each had more power than the confederation government Weak central government became a problem because Congress could not make decisions or laws because they had no power to enforce them Articles of Confederation was replaced by the Constitution, which set up a federal form of government The European Union is a modern example of a Confederation.

Questions to Consider… Question – What is one problem with a confederation government? Answer – The central government can create laws but might not be able to enforce them Question – In a confederation, government power lies with the Answer – Governments of the member countries/states

Federal Governments In a federal form of government, power is divided between a central government & small divisions, such as states A document (such as a constitution) may describe the rights, responsibilities, and duties of the central government & the states Central government can be powerful, but does not have the ability to dissolve states or choose state leaders

Federal Governments

Examples of Federal Governments Many countries use this form of distributing government power Examples: Australia, Germany, Russia, Canada, Brazil, Mexico The United States is an example of a federal government system, where power is shared by the U.S. federal government and the individual state governments. A federal system does not mean that there is more or less personal freedom for the people, it just explains how power is distributed

U.S. Federal Government The federal government has powers that the states do not, such as the power to declare war and sign treaties with other countries States have some powers that the federal government does not have, such as the power to choose the governor or to create new counties in the state

Questions to Consider… Question – How does a federal system of government divide power? Answer – Between the central government and smaller units such as states Question – What defines the rights, responsibilities, & duties of the central & state governments? Answer – A constitution

Practice Scenario 1 Since its 1988 constitution, Brazil has divided its country into twenty-six states and a central government district. The states are then broken into over 5,500 municipalities, which are like counties. All these political units have a local government that has its own laws and taxes. Brazilians vote for representatives at each level. The central government will not allow any states or municipalities to be independent or break away from the country’s national government.

Practice Scenario 2 Costa Rica is a peaceful, democratic republic where power is only given by the central government, based in San Jose, the capital city. The seven provinces have leaders, but the laws and taxes of the central government have full control over the regional division. The local province leaders are there to enforce the central government laws and help citizens have an office close to home to do government business, not to make their own separate laws.

Practice Scenario 3 For only three years beginning in 1836, the countries of Bolivia, North Peru, and South Peru attempted a government system in which the three countries created a loose union that shared military power as well as ruled themselves. Each area had its own leaders and laws. Membership in this union was voluntary and each country maintained control within its boarders. Neighboring countries, including Argentina and Chile, were alarmed about this new government and a war followed that ended this shared government system Peru.