Government Systems in Latin America:

Government Systems in Latin America:

Unitary, Confederation, Federal

Unitary, Confederation, Federal

What do you already know about…

What do you already know about…

Unitary governments? Confederations? Federal systems? Democracies? Autocracies? Oligarchies?

Unitary governments? Confederations? Federal systems? Democracies? Autocracies? Oligarchies?

Unitary GovernmentsUnitary Governments

A system in which the power is held by one central government.

All power is given to the one branch of

government and regional divisions must follow the central government.

A system in which the power is held by one central government.

All power is given to the one branch of

government and regional divisions must follow the central government.

Unitary GovernmentUnitary GovernmentUnitary GovernmentUnitary Government

CentralGovernmenthas all the

power

Local Governmen

tLocal

Government

Local Governme

ntSame as Central Same as Central

Same as Central

The Local Governments

are not separate, but are smaller

partsof the Central government

Examples of Unitary Governments

Examples of Unitary Governments

Many countries in the world are run this way..

Latin America: Cuba & Bolivia Europe: United Kingdom & France

Many countries in the world are run this way..

Latin America: Cuba & Bolivia Europe: United Kingdom & France

Unitary Governments of Unitary Governments of the Worldthe World

Unitary Governments of Unitary Governments of the Worldthe World

Questions to Consider:Questions to Consider: How is power distributed in a unitary

government? A central government assigns power and

duties to 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? All have unitary government systems

How is power distributed in a unitary government? A central government assigns power and

duties to 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? All have unitary government systems

Confederation GovernmentsConfederation Governments

A system in which regional governments are independent and have more power than the central government.

The smaller governments usually volunteer to join an alliance or confederation…

A system in which regional governments are independent and have more power than the central government.

The smaller governments usually volunteer to join an alliance or confederation…

Why Join a Confederation?Why Join a Confederation?

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.

Membership is usually voluntary & a country can decide to leave at any time

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.

Membership is usually voluntary & a country can decide to leave at any time

Confederation GovernmentsConfederation 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…takes a long time Confederations generally have a weak

central government

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…takes a long time Confederations generally have a weak

central government

Examples of Confederation Governments

Examples of Confederation Governments

In Latin America: Bolivia, North Peru, and South Peru from 1836 to

1839…didn’t last long!

In Europe: European Union (a confederation since 1993)

In Latin America: Bolivia, North Peru, and South Peru from 1836 to

1839…didn’t last long!

In Europe: European Union (a confederation since 1993)

Questions to Consider: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

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 GovernmentFederal Government

A system in which the power is divided and shared between one central, regional, and local governments. 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 does not have the ability to dissolve states or choose state leaders

A system in which the power is divided and shared between one central, regional, and local governments. 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 does not have the ability to dissolve states or choose state leaders

Central Governme

nt

Federal Government- power of the Central government is separate from State Governments

The FederalConstitutionLaws Rule

Both Central and State

State Government

s

Examples of Federal Governments

Examples of Federal Governments

Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, etc.

United States and Canada also distribute power this way…

Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, etc.

United States and Canada also distribute power this way…

Questions to Consider:Questions to Consider:

How does a federal system of government divide power? Between the central government and

smaller units such as states What are some examples of

federal governments in Latin America? Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, etc.

How does a federal system of government divide power? Between the central government and

smaller units such as states What are some examples of

federal governments in Latin America? Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, etc.

Government Scenarios: Wall Posts

Government Scenarios: Wall Posts

Your Task: Walk around the classroom and read the 6 scenarios posted on the walls.

Decide if the scenario is an example of a Unitary systems, Confederation, or Federal system, and write your answer on your paper.

You will have 2 minutes per post! Discuss your answers with your group.

Your Task: Walk around the classroom and read the 6 scenarios posted on the walls.

Decide if the scenario is an example of a Unitary systems, Confederation, or Federal system, and write your answer on your paper.

You will have 2 minutes per post! Discuss your answers with your group.