Lesson 1.2 Geographic Distribution of Power Tuesday, Sept. 13

​Lesson 1.2 Forms of Government

Tuesday, September 13​

C – 1.1.3 Compare, contrast, and evaluate models of representation in democratic governments including presidential and parliamentary systems.

C – 1.1.2 Identify, provide examples of, and distinguish among different systems of government by analyzing similarities and differences in sovereignty, power, legitimacy, and authority.

​Lesson 1.2: Forms of Government  

Geographic Distribution of Power

In every system of government the power to govern is located in one or more places geographically. From this standpoint, three basic structures exist: unitary, federal, and confederate.

​Unitary Government

A unitary government is often described as a centralized government. All powers held by the government belong to a single, central agency. The central (national) government creates local units of government for its convenience. Those local governments have only those powers that the central government chooses to give them.

​Unitary Government

Most governments in the word are unitary in form. Great Britain is a classic example. It has a single central organization, the Parliament, holding all of the government’s power. Local governments exist solely to relieve Parliament of the tasks that would be difficult or burdensome to do. Though unlikely, Parliament could get rid of those agencies of local government at any time if it wanted to.

​Unitary Government

​

• It creates less confusion over the governing process for the average citizen.

• This government structure can respond quickly to emergency situations.

• There is less complexity in the legal system of a unitary government.

​Confederate Government

A confederation is an alliance of independent states. A central organization, the confederate government, only handles those matters that the state assigns to it. Typically, confederate governments hold limited powers in such fields as defense and foreign commerce.

​Confederate Government

Most often, the confederacy has not had the power to make laws that apply directly to individuals, at least not without some further action by the member states. A confederate structure makes it possible for the several states to cooperate in matters of common concern and also retain their separate identities.

​Confederate Government

• Keeps power at local levels preventing the growth of a large central government.

• Makes it possible for several states to cooperate in matters of common concern and also retain their separate identities.

• Never works for long periods of time.

​Federal Government

A federal government is one in which the powers of government are divided between a central government and several local governments. An authority superior to both the central and local governments make this division of powers on a geographic basis, which cannot be changed by either the local or national level alone. Both levels of government act directly on the behalf of the people through their own sets of laws, officials, and agencies.

​Federal Government

In the United States, for example, the Federal Government has certain powers, and the fifty individual states have others. This division of powers is set out in the Constitution.

​Federal Government

• Promotes unity but local governments handle local problems.

• Local government officials have to be responsive to people who elect them.

• Central government can devote more time and energy to national and international problems.

Multiple Choice

I am a word to describe a system of government where the laws and decisions are made at one level.  The central government controls the weaker states.  Power is not shared between states.  Who am I?

• Unitary
• Federal
• Confederation

Multiple Choice

Who has the power in a Federal system?

• One central government does!
• Power is shared between the central government and the smaller states
• A group of independent states join together and give limited powers to a common government.

Multiple Choice

Which government system has a WEAK central government and is very rare?

• Unitary
• Federal
• Confederation

Multiple Choice

Power is divided between central and regional authorities.  This is an example of which government type?

• Unitary
• Federal
• Confederation

Multiple Choice

Unitary, Federal, and Confederation are all terms that describes how countries_________

• Build their economiesBuild their economies
  
• Distribute Power
• Distribute wealth

Multiple Choice

Anthony lives in a country where the central government and the states share the power to make laws about collecting taxes and protecting citizens rights.  Which of the following types of distribution of power does this describe?

• Unitary
  Unitary
• Federal
• Confederation
  Confederation

Multiple Choice

 In a _____________ government, the central government chooses how to pass out (divide) power to the regional government.

• Unitary
• Federal
• Confederation
• None of the above

Multiple Choice

In a unitary government system, most power is in the hands of the

• individual voters
• king and advisers
• local governments
• central government

Multiple Choice

Which country is an example of a federal system of government?

• Iran
• United States
• Kuwait
• Saudi Arabia

Multiple Choice

In a confederation government system who holds most of the power?

• individual voters
• local governments
• central government
• central and local governments

Multiple Choice

In a ____________ government, countries volunteer to join an alliance  and in doing so, they create a weak central government. 

• Unitary
• Federal
• Confederation

Multiple Choice

With a FEDERAL government, there is national unity, but local governments can act as well. Is this a strength or weakness of federalism?

• strength

• weakness

Multiple Choice

With a FEDERAL government, disputes occur between national power and states rights. Is this a strength or weakness of federalism?

• strength

• weakness

Multiple Choice

With a FEDERAL government, services to the people can be provided by different levels of government. Is this a strength or weakness of federalism?

• strength

• weakness

Multiple Choice

With a FEDERAL government, citizens have more opportunities to be heard. Is this a strength or weakness of federalism?

• strength

• weakness

Multiple Choice

With a CONFEDERAL government, states can work together without losing their independence. Is this a strength or weakness of confederalism?

• strength

• weakness

Multiple Choice

With a CONFEDERAL government, the central government may be too weak to be effective. Is this a strength or weakness of confederalism?

• strength

• weakness

Multiple Choice

With a CONFEDERAL government, laws may differ from state to state and there is a lack of uniformity. Is this a strength or weakness of confederalism?

• strength

• weakness

Multiple Choice

With a UNITARY government, there are the same laws, policies, and enforcement across the country. Is this a strength or weakness of a unitary government?

• strength

• weakness

Multiple Choice

With a UNITARY government, the government may be too slow to reach local problems. Is this a strength or weakness of a unitary government?

• strength

• weakness

Multiple Choice

With a UNITARY government, there is less conflict between state and national governments. Is this a strength or weakness of a unitary government?

• strength

• weakness

Multiple Choice

With a UNITARY government, it may be difficult to meet all the needs of all the citizens. Is this a strength or weakness of a unitary government?

• strength

• weakness

Multiple Choice

True or False: In a unitary government, the national government could remove the governor of a state and pick a new one.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

. A group of states that come together for a common purpose.  They control a weak, central government.

• Unitary
• Federal
• Confederation

Multiple Choice

In which system of government does the REGIONAL(state) governments have the most power?

• Federal

• Unitary

• Confederal

Multiple Choice

In which system of government are the powers shared between the state government and central government?

• Federal

• Unitary

• Confederal

Multiple Choice

In which system of government does the CENTRAL government have the most power?

• Federal

• Unitary

• Confederal

This assignment on Schoology (both attempts) is due before you leave.