Distribution of Powers

Since its 1988 constitution, Brazil has divided its country into 26 states and a central government district. The states are then broken into over 5,500 municipalities (counties). All these political units have a local government that has its own laws and taxes. Brazilians vote for representatives at each level. The central government will not allow any states or municipalities to be independent or break away from the country’s national government

• Federal

• Confederate

• Unitary

Answer explanation

Power is divided between the smaller state and local governments, and the central/national government

For only three years beginning in 1836, the countries of Bolivia, North Peru, and South Peru attempted a government system in which the three countries created a loose union that shared power as well as ruled themselves. Neighboring countries, including Argentina and Chile, were alarmed about this new government and a war followed that ended this shared government system between Bolivia and Peru.

• Federal

• Confederate

• Unitary

Answer explanation

An alliance or union between a few independent governments that agree to remain independent, but also share power

Established in 1993, the European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of twenty-seven independent countries, or member states, which has a foundation from the European Economic Community. The EU has allowed a single free trade market where all member states are guaranteed freedom of movement of people, goods, services, and capital. Most EU countries have adopted a common currency, called the euro. While it is governed by the EU Commission and Parliament over the union’s common interests, each country still controls its independently-run government

• Federal

• Confederate

• Unitary

Answer explanation

The countries rule independently, but share an agreement on trade and have the same currency (money); so they share power

Costa Rica is a peaceful, democratic republic where power is only given by the central government, based in San Jose, the capital city. The seven provinces (areas within the country) have leaders, but the laws and taxes of the central government have full control over the regional division.

• Federal

• Confederate

• Unitary

Answer explanation

All of the authority comes from the central government. The smaller governments do not have a lot of power.

Since its 1917 constitution, Mexico has had a central government based in its capital, Mexico City, and thirty-one states that also have their own state governments. Citizens vote for their representatives on three government levels: the central, state, and municipal governments.

• Federal

• Confederate

• Unitary

Answer explanation

The central government has authority, but the people are also able to vote and have strong influence within their smaller state governments. So power is shared.

Fidel Castro took power as dictator over Cuba and made it communist in 1959 after leading the Cuban Revolution. Under this government system, only one political party was in control and only one person, Castro, made all decisions for the citizens. The laws he established from Havana, the capital, were to be followed by the entire country.

• Federal

• Confederate

• Unitary

Answer explanation

As a authoritarian dictator, all of the power was held by Castro and his central government. People and the smaller states had no power.