Unitary, Federal, and Confederation Governments 3 Ways Government Systems Distribute Power

Countries must decide how to organize and distribute power Countries must decide how to organize and distribute power. Governments can have all the power held by one central authority (government) or they can spread it out to lower levels of government. Many governments have constitutions that are documents that outline the duties, powers, and responsibilities of the government.

Continuum of Government Strong Central Government-----------------------------Weak Central Government ________________________________ Unitary Federal Confederation

Unitary Governments A form of government in which power is held by one central authority Central government (authority) can create lower levels of government and can dissolve these levels Central government (authority) can elect members of the national legislature and regional governments France and Great Britain have unitary governments

Federal Governments A form of government in which power is divided between one central government and the lower levels of government such as states or provinces Central government is powerful but cannot dissolve states or choose state leaders The United States, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Mexico, and Russia have federal governments

Confederations Countries agree to work together to solve problems or provide for their people Countries may sign a treaty to trade together, defend each other, or have a common currency Usually membership in the confederation is voluntary and all members are equal

Examples of Confederations European Union (made up of 27 countries in Europe) Confederation of Southern States (during U.S. Civil War) British Commonwealth of Nations (former British colonies)