Distribution of Powers

In a country, power is shared between a central government and several regional governments, each with authority over certain areas. The regions cannot become independent from the central government. What form of government does this describe?

• Federal

• Confederate

• Unitary

Answer explanation

Brazil's political structure is federal, as it consists of multiple states and municipalities with their own governments, while still being under a central authority that maintains national unity.

For three years starting in 1836, Bolivia, North Peru, and South Peru formed a loose union where they shared power but also ruled themselves. What type of government system was this?

• Federal

• Confederate

• Unitary

Answer explanation

The government system described is a confederate system, where Bolivia, North Peru, and South Peru shared power while maintaining their own governance. This loose union alarmed neighboring countries, leading to conflict.

The European Union (EU) is a group of independent countries that work together on economic and political matters, but each country keeps its own government. What type of government system is this?

• Federal

• Confederate

• Unitary

Answer explanation

The EU is a confederate union as it consists of independent member states that retain their sovereignty while cooperating on common interests, unlike a federal system where power is centralized.

Costa Rica's central government controls all laws and taxes. What type of government is this?

• Federal

• Confederate

• Unitary

Answer explanation

Costa Rica's central government holds full control over laws and taxes, indicating a unitary system where regional leaders have limited power. This structure contrasts with federal or confederate systems, making 'Unitary' the correct choice.

Mexico has a central government and thirty-one states with their own governments. Citizens vote for representatives at three levels: central, state, and municipal.

• Federal

• Confederate

• Unitary

Answer explanation

Mexico's government structure, with a central authority and state governments, exemplifies a federal system. Citizens elect representatives at multiple levels, confirming the distribution of power characteristic of federalism.

Fidel Castro ruled Cuba with one political party and made all decisions from the capital for the whole country. What type of government is this?

• Federal

• Confederate

• Unitary

Answer explanation

Cuba under Fidel Castro is an example of a unitary system, where a single central authority (Castro) holds power and makes decisions for the entire country, contrasting with federal or confederate systems that distribute power.