SSCG19: Compare and contrast governments that are unitary and federal; autocratic, oligarchic, and democratic; presidential and parliamentary.

Unitary and Federal Unitary- gives all powers to the national or central government. Are we unitary? Federalism- power is divided between the national government and state government. Confederal- is an alliance of independent states. The central government, or confederate government, only handles matters that the independent states assign to it.

Autocratic Autocracy means all power and authority to rule is in the hands of a single individual. Totalitarian dictatorship- Ideas of a single person are glorified and government seeks to control all aspects of social and economic life. Nazi Germany Absolute Monarchy- Position of power is inherited and monarch has complete and unlimited power to rule. King of Saudi Arabia. Note: Constitutional monarchs are not the same. They share power with elected legislatures and often have monarchs who are ceremonial leaders.

Oligarchic Oligarchy- any system of government in which a small group holds power. Gains power through wealth, military power, social position, or a combination of all three. Communist-China. These governments may give the appearance of control by the people. Ex. Hold elections but only offer one candidate to vote for or control the election results.

Democratic Democracy- system of government in which rule is by the people. Key idea is that people hold sovereign power. “Government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Direct democracy- people govern themselves through voting on issues individually. No government has this type, they are all too big. Representative democracy- people elect representatives and give them the responsibility and power to make laws and conduct government. Republic- voters are source of power as they choose who is in power