1. Distribution of Power
SS6CG4 The student will compare and contrast various forms of government.
a. Describe the ways government systems distribute power: unitary, confederation, and federal.

2. What is a Government System?
Every country has a government that is set up in it own distinct way
One thing that a country has to decide on is how to organize its government and distribute power
There are 3 main ways governments spread their power:
Unitary
Confederation
Federal

3. Unitary Government
Central government operates all levels of government in the country
Assigns power to state & local government
Ex) leader might have the power to choose the governor or mayor
Ex) can give power to a legislature allowing the state or local government to govern itself, then the central government could decide to dissolve legislature and control region directly

4. Unitary Government

5. Examples of Unitary Governments
Many countries in the world are run this way
Examples – Cuba and the United Kingdom
Unitary is not the structure of the US government: our Congress does not have the power to dissolve state legislatures or appoint governors

6. Unitary Governments of the World

7. Questions to Consider…
Question – How is power distributed in a unitary government?
Answer – A central government assigns power and duties to smaller units of government within the country
Question – True or False: In a unitary government, the national government could remove the governor of a state and pick a new one.
Answer – True
Question – Cuba and the United Kingdom – What do these countries have in common?
Answer – All have unitary government systems

8. Confederation Governments
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.
This is called a confederation government
Membership is usually voluntary & a country can decide to leave at any time

9. Confederation Governments

10. 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
Confederations generally have a weak central government

11. Examples of Confederation Governments
US tried this type of government from 1777 to 1787
States considered themselves to be separate countries
Each had more power than the confederation government
Weak central government became a problem because Congress could not make decisions or laws because they had no power to enforce them
Articles of Confederation was replaced by the Constitution, which set up a federal form of government
The European Union is a modern example of a Confederation.

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

13. Federal Governments
In a federal form of government, power is divided between a central government & small divisions, such as states
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

14. Federal Governments

15. Examples of Federal Governments
Many countries use this form of distributing government power
Examples: Australia, Germany, Russia, Canada, Brazil, Mexico
The United States is an example of a federal government system, where power is shared by the U.S. federal government and the individual state governments.
A federal system does not mean that there is more or less personal freedom for the people, it just explains how power is distributed

16. U.S. Federal Government
The federal government has powers that the states do not, such as the power to declare war and sign treaties with other countries
States have some powers that the federal government does not have, such as the power to choose the governor or to create new counties in the state

17. Questions to Consider…
Question – How does a federal system of government divide power?
Answer – Between the central government and smaller units such as states
Question – What defines the rights, responsibilities, & duties of the central & state governments?
Answer – A constitution

18. Practice Scenario 1
Since its 1988 constitution, Brazil has divided its country into twenty-six states and a central government district. The states are then broken into over 5,500 municipalities, which are like counties. All these political units have a local government that has its own laws and taxes. Brazilians vote for representatives at each level. The central government will not allow any states or municipalities to be independent or break away from the country’s national government.

19. Practice Scenario 2
Costa Rica is a peaceful, democratic republic where power is only given by the central government, based in San Jose, the capital city. The seven provinces have leaders, but the laws and taxes of the central government have full control over the regional division. The local province leaders are there to enforce the central government laws and help citizens have an office close to home to do government business, not to make their own separate laws.

20. Practice Scenario 3
For only three years beginning in 1836, the countries of Bolivia, North Peru, and South Peru attempted a government system in which the three countries created a loose union that shared military power as well as ruled themselves. Each area had its own leaders and laws. Membership in this union was voluntary and each country maintained control within its boarders. Neighboring countries, including Argentina and Chile, were alarmed about this new government and a war followed that ended this shared government system Peru.