1. Government Systems in Latin America:
Unitary, Confederation, Federal

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

3. 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.

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

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

6. Unitary Governments of the World

7. 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

8. 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…

9. 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

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…takes a long time
Confederations generally have a weak central government

11. 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)

12. 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

13. 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

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

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

16. 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.

17. Government Scenarios: Wall Posts
Your Task: Walk around the classroom and read the 8 scenarios posted on the walls.
Decide if the scenario is an example of a government system, and write your answer on your paper.
You will have 1 minutes per post!
Discuss your answers with your group.