1. U NITARY, F EDERAL AND C ONFEDERAL S YSTEMS

2. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS (OBJECTIVES): Compare and contrast the following government systems: unitary, federal and Confederal.

3. GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS UNITARYFEDERALCONFEDERAL All key powers belong to the national government National government creates lower levels of government with limited sovereignty EX: Great Britian, Italy, France Divides the powers of government between the national and state governments Both national and state governments have sovereignty is some areas EX: United States Government where power resides with the states (a loose union of independent states) EX: Articles of Confederation, Confederacy (Civil War)

4. CONSTITUTION A constitution is a written plan for government. Sets out ideals that people share Established basic structure for government Supreme law of the land Provides for limited government OUR CONSTITUTION Preamble– introduction (statement of goals) 7 Articles (sections) 1787--oldest written constitution still in use today

5. P OLITICS What are politics? Effort to control or influence the conduct and policies of government People’s efforts to influence how the government acts and what they do Why do people participate in politics? Government impacts our lives Benefits and services They can put our values (or the values of others into action) Government should represent the interests of ALL the people (general welfare)