8/8: Unitary, Confederal, Federal Governments

Which type of government is characterized by a central authority holding most of the power?

• Federal

• Unitary

• Confederal

• Parliamentary

How do confederal and federal systems of government differ in terms of power distribution?

• Confederal systems have a strong central government, while federal systems do not.

• Federal systems divide power between a central government and regional governments, while confederal systems give most power to regional governments.

• Both systems give all power to the central government.

• Both systems have no regional governments.

According to the geographic distribution of power, which of the following is NOT one of the three basic forms of government?

• Unitary

• Confederal (Confederation)

• Federal

• School

What is a unitary government?

• A centralized government in which all powers are held by one, single national government/central government.

• A government where power is shared equally among all local units.

• A system where local governments have more power than the central government.

• A government with no central authority.

Which country is given as the best example of a unitary government?

• Great Britain

• United States

• Canada

• Australia

How does the British Parliament make local decision-making more efficient?

• By giving local governments some powers

• By abolishing local governments

• By centralizing all decisions in London

• By allowing only the monarch to decide

Why might a confederal system of government be difficult to maintain?

• Because the central government has limited power and states may act independently

• Because the central government controls all decisions

• Because there are no laws in a confederal system

• Because citizens do not participate in government

In a federal government, who holds certain powers?

• Only the central government

• Only the states

• Both the central or national government and the states

• Only the local governments

Which country is considered the best example of a federal government?

• The United States

• France

• China

• United Kingdom

What is the best part of having a federal system? Or, perhaps the worst part?

• The ability for local governments to address local needs

• The complete centralization of all power

• The elimination of all state governments

• The lack of any government structure