Government Systems in Latin America: Unitary, Confederation, Federal

What do you already know about…  Unitary governments?  Confederations?  Federal systems?  Democracies?  Autocracies?  Oligarchies?  Unitary governments?  Confederations?  Federal systems?  Democracies?  Autocracies?  Oligarchies?

Unitary Governments  A system in which the power is held by one central government.   All power is given to the one branch of government and regional divisions must follow the central government.  A system in which the power is held by one central government.   All power is given to the one branch of government and regional divisions must follow the central government.

Unitary Government Central Government has all the power Local Government Local Government Same as Central The Local Governments are not separate, but are smaller parts of the Central government

Examples of Unitary Governments  Many countries in the world are run this way..  Latin America: Cuba & Bolivia  Europe: United Kingdom & France  Many countries in the world are run this way..  Latin America: Cuba & Bolivia  Europe: United Kingdom & France

Unitary Governments of the World

Questions to Consider:  How is power distributed in a unitary government?  A central government assigns power and duties to smaller units of government within the country  True or False: In a unitary government, the national government could remove the governor of a state and pick a new one.  True  France, UK, Bolivia, and Cuba--what do these countries have in common?  All have unitary government systems  How is power distributed in a unitary government?  A central government assigns power and duties to smaller units of government within the country  True or False: In a unitary government, the national government could remove the governor of a state and pick a new one.  True  France, UK, Bolivia, and Cuba--what do these countries have in common?  All have unitary government systems

Confederation Governments  A system in which regional governments are independent and have more power than the central government.  The smaller governments usually volunteer to join an alliance or confederation…  A system in which regional governments are independent and have more power than the central government.  The smaller governments usually volunteer to join an alliance or confederation…

Why Join a Confederation?  Some countries agree that they would be better able to solve problems or provide help if they worked together…  They might sign a treaty or a constitution under which the countries agree to defend each other, trade with each other, use a common currency, etc.  Membership is usually voluntary & a country can decide to leave at any time  Some countries agree that they would be better able to solve problems or provide help if they worked together…  They might sign a treaty or a constitution under which the countries agree to defend each other, trade with each other, use a common currency, etc.  Membership is usually voluntary & a country can decide to leave at any time

Confederation Governments  Not commonly found among governments in the 21st century because there are several problems with them:  Often have little power because a high percentage of members must agree to decisions made  Individual countries can veto decisions  Changes in the constitution requires all members to agree…takes a long time  Confederations generally have a weak central government  Not commonly found among governments in the 21st century because there are several problems with them:  Often have little power because a high percentage of members must agree to decisions made  Individual countries can veto decisions  Changes in the constitution requires all members to agree…takes a long time  Confederations generally have a weak central government

Examples of Confederation Governments  In Latin America:  Bolivia, North Peru, and South Peru from 1836 to 1839…didn’t last long!  In Europe:  European Union (a confederation since 1993)  In Latin America:  Bolivia, North Peru, and South Peru from 1836 to 1839…didn’t last long!  In Europe:  European Union (a confederation since 1993)

Questions to Consider:  What is one problem with a confederation government?  The central government can create laws but might not be able to enforce them  In a confederation, government power lies with the  Governments of the member countries/states  What is one problem with a confederation government?  The central government can create laws but might not be able to enforce them  In a confederation, government power lies with the  Governments of the member countries/states

Federal Government  A system in which the power is divided and shared between one central, regional, and local governments.  A document (such as a constitution) may describe the rights, responsibilities, and duties of the central government & the states  Central government can be powerful, but does not have the ability to dissolve states or choose state leaders  A system in which the power is divided and shared between one central, regional, and local governments.  A document (such as a constitution) may describe the rights, responsibilities, and duties of the central government & the states  Central government can be powerful, but does not have the ability to dissolve states or choose state leaders

Central Government Federal Government- power of the Central government is separate from State Governments The Federal Constitution Laws Rule Both Central and State State Governments

Examples of Federal Governments  Latin America:  Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, etc.  United States and Canada also distribute power this way…  Latin America:  Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, etc.  United States and Canada also distribute power this way…

Questions to Consider:  How does a federal system of government divide power?  Between the central government and smaller units such as states  What are some examples of federal governments in Latin America?  Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, etc.  How does a federal system of government divide power?  Between the central government and smaller units such as states  What are some examples of federal governments in Latin America?  Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, etc.

Government Scenarios: Wall Posts  Your Task: Walk around the classroom and read the 6 scenarios posted on the walls.  Decide if the scenario is an example of a Unitary systems, Confederation, or Federal system, and write your answer on your paper.  You will have 2 minutes per post!  Discuss your answers with your group.  Your Task: Walk around the classroom and read the 6 scenarios posted on the walls.  Decide if the scenario is an example of a Unitary systems, Confederation, or Federal system, and write your answer on your paper.  You will have 2 minutes per post!  Discuss your answers with your group.