AP 03.1 Vocabulary Unitary System Confederal System Federal System

Three Systems of Government AP 03.1 Three Systems of Government Why Federalism?

AP 03.1 Government in the U.S.A. Rights and powers are reserved to the States by the Tenth Amendment unless expressly given to the federal government. Governments: = 89,529 Federal = 1 State = 50 Local Governments Counties = 3,034 Municipalities = 19,492 Townships = 16,519 Special Districts = 37,381 School Districts = 13,051

Government in the U.S.A. There are 196 countries in the world today! AP 03.1 Government in the U.S.A. There are 196 countries in the world today! Each has its own system of government. Types: Unitary Confederal Federal

AP 03.1 Unitary System Centralized government with ultimate authority in the hands of a central or national government MOST COMMON FORM OF GOVERNMENT Local governments only have those powers granted to them by central government Central government provider of funds Local governments may not have power to tax Five Largest Unitary States by GDP China, Japan, United Kingdom, France, Italy

AP 03.1 Confederal System A league of independent states, each having essentially sovereign powers Central government only handles those matters of common concern expressly delegated to it European Union Large body of European wide laws that all must follow Freely travel among member states Common currency for some states (Great Britain kept its own)

AP 03.1 Federal System Federal system divides power between a national and lower level governments Each government has distinct powers that the other cannot override. Countries with federal form: United States Russian Federation Mexico Germany India Brazil Australia

Why Federalism? A Practical solution: Other Arguments for Federalism: Compromise – supporters knew without it Constitution wouldn’t be ratified Retained state traditions and local power Created national government to handle common problems Other Arguments for Federalism: Allows functions of Federal government to be farmed out Large geographical areas make it impractical to govern from one place Brings government closer to the people

AP 03.1 Benefits for the U.S.A. State governments training ground for future national leaders States can be testing grounds for new government initiatives Unemployment compensation – Wisconsin Air pollution controls – California 1996 Welfare Reform Act

Allowance for Political Subcultures AP 03.1 Allowance for Political Subcultures Very diverse political cultures based on: Race, Ethnic origin Region Wealth Education Religion Sexual orientation Subcultures would have less influence in a unitary system

Arguments Against Federalism AP 03.1 Arguments Against Federalism Smaller political units dominated by single party/group Governments controlled by Democrats impeded Civil Rights legislation Individual states differ in spending on various programs Education Criminal justice Critics argue for increased federal legislation and oversight National education policy and standards Others see this as expansion of national power and expense of the states.

AP 03.1 Summary Questions Define the terms unitary system, Confederal system, and federal system. Explain the arguments for and against the concept of Federalism.