Unit 1: Systems of Government

The three main types of government based on the geographic distribution of power are:

• Unitary, Federal, Confederate

• Democratic, Monarchical, Oligarchic

• Presidential, Parliamentary, Theocratic

• Republican, Dictatorial, Aristocratic

Power in a unitary government is held by the central authority. Which country is an example?

• France

• USA

• Germany

• Canada

A federal system divides power between a central authority and political units. Which is the best example?

• USA

• France

• UK

• Japan

In a confederal government, the relationship between the independent states and the central government is:

• States keep most power; central government is limited.

• Central government has all authority.

• Power is shared equally.

• Central government controls everything.

The main difference in how the executive is chosen in a presidential government versus a parliamentary government is:

• Presidential: executive elected separately; Parliamentary: executive chosen by legislature.

• Both: executive chosen by legislature.

• Presidential: executive chosen by legislature; Parliamentary: elected separately.

• Both: executive elected directly by people.

The executive and legislative branches relate to each other in a presidential system in which way?

• They are separate.

• Executive controls legislature.

• Legislature appoints executive.

• They are merged.

The concept of a "fusion of powers" in a parliamentary government refers to:

• executive and legislative branches linked

• strict separation of branches

• judiciary controls both branches

• executive fully independent

What is the key difference between an autocracy and an oligarchy, even though both are authoritarian?

• Autocracy: one person rules; Oligarchy: small group rules.

• Autocracy: all vote; Oligarchy: ruled by king.

• Autocracy: power shared by all; Oligarchy: direct democracy.

• Autocracy: religious leaders rule; Oligarchy: military generals rule.

In a democracy, what is the source of the government's supreme power?

• The people.

• The military.

• The president.

• The judiciary.

Describe how citizen participation is affected in an authoritarian government.

• People have no rights; elections are controlled with one candidate or party.

• Citizens freely choose leaders in open elections.

• People can form parties and protest freely.

• All opinions are equally represented in decisions.