8/12: Unitary, Confederal, Federal Governments - Review

Why might the geographic distribution of power be important in understanding different systems of government?

• It determines how laws are made

• It affects where the power to govern is located and how it is shared

• It decides the country's official language

• It influences the country's climate

How does a unitary government differ from a dictatorship?

• In a unitary government, the central agency usually gives powers to local units to help govern people.

• In a unitary government, all power is held by one person with no local units.

• In a unitary government, local units have more power than the central government.

• In a unitary government, there are no local units at all.

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 abolishing local governments

• By giving local governments some powers to relieve burdens from Parliament

• By centralizing all decisions in London

• By allowing only Parliament to make decisions

Which of the following best describes the direction of power in a confederal government?

• Power flows from the central government to the states.

• Power flows from the states to the central government.

• Power is equally shared between the central government and the states.

• Power is held only by the central government.

Why might independent states choose to form a confederal government?

• To give up all their powers to a central authority

• To cooperate on specific issues like defense and trade while retaining independence

• To establish a monarchy

• To eliminate all forms of government

What is a federal government?

• A government in which the powers are divided between a central or national government and several lower levels of government.

• A government where all power is held by a single leader.

• A government that only has local governments with no central authority.

• A government where the military controls all decisions.

Why is the division of powers important in a federal government system?

• It allows both the central government and the states to have authority over different matters.

• It ensures that only the central government makes all decisions.

• It gives all power to the military.

• It eliminates the need for local governments.

Why is the United States considered a federal government? Use evidence from the learning material to support your answer.

• Because it has a king and a parliament

• Because the central government controls all aspects of government

• Because both the central government and the 50 states have certain powers, and the Constitution outlines this division

• Because only the states have power

Why might some people prefer a federal system over a unitary system?

• It allows for more local control and representation.

• It abolishes all forms of government.

• It requires only one level of government.

• It prevents any laws from being made.