Unitary System of Government No hierarchy of sovereign powers States cannot pass their own laws Central (national) government can order the states to do anything

Unitary States

Federal System of Government Power to govern is shared between national and state/provincial governments Multiple hierarchy levels (central authority plus states/provinces) Central/national rules override the state rules

Federal States

Some Forms of Government Democracy Government is elected by the people, through voting.

Electoral Democracies

Branches of Government Judiciary – Interpret the laws. – Make sure the Constitution is obeyed. Executive – President/Prime Minister – Makes sure the laws are being followed. Legislative – Write the laws.

Some Forms of Government Dictatorship Single leader who has not been elected. May use force to keep control.

Some Forms of Government Monarchy Has a king or queen, who may have absolute power. Constitutional monarchies have a democratic government that limits the monarch’s control. Queen Elizabeth II King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia

Some Forms of Government Totalitarian Country with only one political party. People must do what government tells them to do.

Some Forms of Government Theocracy Government based on religion