government systems: how is power distributed in government?
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Government Systems: How is Power Distributed in Government?. Unitary, Confederation, Federal. Most countries have three levels of government. The relationship between the three levels of government is what determines the type of g overnmental system that operates within the country. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Government Systems:How is Power Distributed
in Government?Unitary, Confederation,
Federal
Most countries have three levels of government.
The relationship between the
three levels of government is what determines the type ofgovernmental system that operates within the country.
What is a government system? Every country has a government
that is set up in it own distinct way. One thing that a country has to
decide on is how to organize its government and distribute its power.
There are 3 main ways governments spread their power: 1. unitary 2. confederation3. federal
Unitary Government
The central government possesses most of the decision-making power and authority. operates all levels of government in the
country assigns power to state & local government
National policies and
laws apply to the entire
nation..lower govt. does not have to power to make laws
or policies
All political powers come
from the National Govt.
Unitary Governme
ntNational govt.
can create lower levels of govt. and can
assign and withdraw powers at anytime
Examples of Unitary Governments
Many countries in the world are run this way. Western Hemisphere: Cuba & Bolivia Europe: United Kingdom & France
Unitary is not the structure of the US government. Our Congress does not have the power to dissolve state legislatures or appoint governors.
Unitary Governments of the World
Questions to Consider
How is power distributed in a unitary government?
Questions to Consider
How is power distributed in a unitary government? A central government assigns power and duties to
the smaller units of government within the country.
Questions to Consider
How is power distributed in a unitary government? A central government assigns power and duties to
the smaller units of government within the country. True or False: In a unitary government,
the national government could remove the governor of a state and pick a new one.
Questions to Consider
How is power distributed in a unitary government? A central government assigns power and duties to
the smaller units of government within the country. True or False: In a unitary government, the
national government could remove the governor of a state and pick a new one. True
Questions to Consider
How is power distributed in a unitary government? A central government assigns power and duties to
the smaller units of government within the country. True or False: In a unitary government, the
national government could remove the governor of a state and pick a new one. True
France, UK, Bolivia, and Cuba – what do these countries have in common?
Questions to Consider
How is power distributed in a unitary government? A central government assigns power and duties to
the smaller units of government within the country. True or False: In a unitary government, the
national government could remove the governor of a state and pick a new one. True
France, UK, Bolivia, and Cuba – what do these countries have in common? They all have unitary government systems.
Confederation Governments
Some countries agree that they would be better able to solve problems or provide help if they worked together.
They might sign a treaty or a constitution under which the countries agree to defend each other, trade with each other, use a common currency, etc. This is called a confederation government.
Membership is usually voluntary & a country can decide to leave at any time.
Confederation
The lower governments
(states/regions) have most control over laws and policies
The national
government has very
little power and that
power is assigned by
the smaller local
governments
Confederation Governments
Not commonly found among governments in the 21st century because there are several problems with them. often have little power because a high
percentage of members must agree to decisions made
individual countries can veto decisions changes in the constitution requires all
members to agree Confederations generally have a weak
central government.
Example: Articles of Confederation
After winning the Revolutionary War, America created the Articles of Confederation for its system of government.
The 13 states had most power and the only powers the federal government had was to create peace and to create war. It did not have the power to control trade, collect taxes, or make money.
Questions to Consider: What is one problem with a
confederation government?
Questions to Consider: What is one problem with a
confederation government? The central government can create laws
but might not be able to enforce them.
Questions to Consider: What is one problem with a
confederation government? The central government can create laws
but might not be able to enforce them. In a confederation, government
power lies with the
Questions to Consider: What is one problem with a
confederation government? The central government can create laws
but might not be able to enforce them. In a confederation, government power
lies with the governments of the member
countries/states.
Federal Government In a federal form of government, power is
divided between a central government & small divisions, such as states.
A document (such as a constitution) may describe the rights, responsibilities, and duties of the central government & the states.
Central government can be powerful, but it does not have the ability to dissolve states or choose state leaders.
The PeopleThe
NationalGovernme
nt
The Local Governme
nts
Share the power and make laws and policies together
Federal Systems in the World Today
Our Federal System The 50 states in America represent the
original 13 British colonies that fought for independence. Power is split between the central
government and the states. The Constitution of America is the law of
the land. It defines how power is shared between
national, state, & local governments.
Our constitution organizes the government into three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial).
Federal government powers: defense, federal taxes, federal laws, peace arrangements, trade agreements, settle disputes between states, etc…
State/local governments: education, state taxes, and state defense
Questions to Consider: How does a federal system of
government divide power?
Questions to Consider: How does a federal system of
government divide power? between the central government and
smaller units such as states
Questions to Consider: How does a federal system of
government divide power? between the central government and
smaller units such as states What defines the rights,
responsibilities, & duties of the central & state governments?
Questions to Consider: How does a federal system of
government divide power? between the central government and
smaller units such as states What defines the rights,
responsibilities, & duties of the central & state governments? a constitution
What system is this? UNITARY
What system is this? CONFEDERATION
What system is this? FEDERAL
What system is this? FEDERAL
A dictator will always have their government in a unitary organization.
TRUE
A Communist nation will have their government in
a federal organization.
FALSE
A democratic nation will always be in a federal
organization.
FALSE
The Confederate States of America would be an example of
a former confederacy organization where the federal
government controlled the Southern States.
FALSE
A unitary organization always symbolizes “bad” governments which restrict the rights of the
people.
FALSE