1. Systems of Government

2. Unitary System Term Definition Pros Cons TermDefinitionProsCons Unitary System A system of government in which power is centralized in the national government; regional governments only exercise powers given by national government. Promotes national unity. All parts of the country follow the same laws and policies. Broad public policies may not fit the needs of the entire country or population. Central government officials cannot know the needs of every locality.

3. Federal System Term Definition Pros Cons TermDefinitionProsCons Federal System A system of government in which power is divided between national and regional governments. Works well for large, diverse countries. Gives regional governments flexibility in meeting diverse needs. Patchwork of conflicting or competing laws from region to region. May foster conflict between central and regional governments.

4. Confederal System Term Definition Pros Cons TermDefinitionProsCons Confederal System A system of government in which power resides in the regions, which are independent states; the central government gets power from regional governments. Allows regional governments to unite for some purposes without giving up the power to run their own affairs. Gives regional governments flexibility to meet local needs. Prevents rise of an authoritarian central government. Central government may be too weak to meet the needs of the nation as a whole. May lead to conflict between regions.

5. Forms of Government

7. TermDefinitionProsCons Authoritarian/ Totalitarian Government has leaders who control the economic, social, and political lives of the people. -All decisions made by a small number of people, less room for disagreements. -Opposition to the government is not allowed, force is used to control population. -Elections may be held, however opposition leaders are persecuted and voting may not be fairly conducted. -Few freedoms, media may be controlled by state.

9. TermDefinitionProsCons DictatorshipSingle person exercises supreme power based on control of military and police. Efficient decision making Control of military and police allows for maintenance of order Power can be used to abuse citizens who oppose dictator

11. TermDefinitionProsCons OligarchyA few people or a single political party is allowed and power is derived from wealth, social position, and/or military power. Easier to pass laws by avoiding political debate common in multi party states. People with different political views are shut out of political process.

13. TermDefinitionProsCons TheocracyPower exercised by religious leaders Political decisions are in line with people’s moral values and beliefs State supported religion promotes political and social unity Religious minorities often persecuted Difficult to enforce religious unity

15. TermDefinitionProsCons MonarchyA single ruler has supreme power based on heredity or divine right. Efficient decision making Loyalty to monarch unifies people Quality of leadership varies Modern nation states too complex for most Monarchs to manage well

17. TermDefinitionProsCons Direct DemocracyCitizens exercise power by meeting together and voting Every citizen has an equal say Decisions have widespread support Time consuming for citizens

19. TermDefinitionProsCons Parliamentary Democracy People elect representatives to parliament The leading party in parliament selects the chief executive Easier to pass laws because the legislature and executive branch are lead by same party No clear separation between legislative and executive Fewer checks on executive power

21. TermDefinitionProsCons Republic/ Representative Democracy People elect representatives to legislature and also elect the chief executive Separation of legislative and executive power prevents abuse of power President more responsive to people not just party Gridlock can occur when president is not from the same party that controls the legislature