Introduction to Governments in Europe Written by Ms. Brown Revised by Mrs. Martz

Branches of Government Generally, government has three branches: Executive Branch – enforces the laws of a country (President) Legislative Branch – makes the laws of a country (Congress) Judicial Branch – interprets the laws of the country (Supreme Court)

Government Government is the way people keep order in countries or societies. Governments have different structures and different levels of citizen participation. Government structure determines how power is distributed within a country. Citizen participation determines how individuals within a country can influence their government.

Government Structure-How power is distributed There are three main types of government structures: Unitary Confederation Federal

Unitary Governments Form of government where power is held by one central authority. One central government controls weaker states. Power is not shared between states United Kingdom is an example. (It makes decisions for Britain, Scotland, Northern Irelend, Wales) France, Spain are examples. .

Unitary Government Central Government state state state state state

Confederation Weak or loose organization of states Individual states can choose to follow central national government or not follow it Power is with states, but they choose to follow central government Examples: Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), European Union.

Confederation Central Government state state state state

Federal Governments Form of government where power is shared by central government and states Examples: Germany, Russia, United States

Federal Governments Central Government states states states states

Citizen Participation In some countries around the world, people can participate in their governments through leading, voting, or even protesting. In other countries, citizens are not allowed to participate in their governments.

There are three major classifications for government participation: Autocratic Oligarchic Democratic

Autocratic Government in which one person possesses unlimited power citizen has little (if any) role in government. Often, these leaders are called Dictators and their governments Dictatorships. Kim Jong Il, dictator of North Korea Czar Nicholas II of Russia

Oligarchic Government by the few. Ruled by a small group of people The citizen has a limited role. Examples: Cuba, Russia

Democratic Government in which the power is given to the citizens Citizens exercise that power through voting.

Direct Democracy – people vote directly on issues Representative Democracy – people elect leader to make decisions for them Examples of Democracies: United States

2 Kinds of Democratic Governments 1. Parliamentary Head of government (prime minister) Prime minister chosen from the legislature The head of gov’t is the leader of the majority party in the legislature Example: the United Kingdom

2 Kinds of Democratic Governments 2. Presidential Head of government is president President is chosen by people; independent from legislature Example: United States