Government Systems Unitary, Confederation, Federal Unit 12 Notes Unitary, Confederation, Federal...

Government SystemsGovernment Systems

Unitary, Confederation, Federal

Unit 12 Notes

Unitary, Confederation, Federal

Unit 12 Notes

What is a government system?

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

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 GovernmentUnitary 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

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

Examples of Unitary Governments

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.

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 Unitary Governments of the Worldthe World

Unitary Governments of Unitary Governments of the Worldthe World

Questions to ConsiderQuestions to Consider

How is power distributed in a unitary government?

How is power distributed in a unitary government?


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 or False: In a unitary government, the national government could remove the governor of a state and pick a new one.




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?




France, UK, Bolivia, and Cuba – what do these countries have in common?





France, UK, Bolivia, and Cuba – what do these countries have in common? They all have unitary government systems.




France, UK, Bolivia, and Cuba – what do these countries have in common? They all have unitary government systems.

Confederation GovernmentsConfederation 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.

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 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 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 Confederations generally have a weak

central government.

Example: Commonwealth of Nations

Example: Commonwealth of Nations

Australia is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. This is a very weak association of

member countries that were once part of the British empire.

Some recognize the Queen as the head of state; others do not.

It works to promote trade & solutions to common problems among members but cannot force members to do things.

Australia is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. This is a very weak association of

member countries that were once part of the British empire.

Some recognize the Queen as the head of state; others do not.

It works to promote trade & solutions to common problems among members but cannot force members to do things.

Questions to Consider:Questions to Consider:

What is one problem with a confederation government?

What is one problem with a confederation government?


What is one problem with a confederation government? The central government can create laws

but might not be able to enforce them.


but might not be able to enforce them.



but might not be able to enforce them. In a confederation, government power

lies with the



lies with the




lies with the governments of the member

countries/states.



lies with the governments of the member

countries/states.

Federal GovernmentFederal 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.

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.

Australia’s Federal SystemAustralia’s Federal System The 6 states in Australia represent the 6

British colonies that joined to create the Commonwealth of Australia. There are also 2 territories. Power is split between the central government

and the states. The Constitution of Australia is the law of the

land. It defines how power is shared between national,

state, & local governments.

The 6 states in Australia represent the 6 British colonies that joined to create the Commonwealth of Australia. There are also 2 territories. Power is split between the central government

and the states. The Constitution of Australia is the law of the

land. It defines how power is shared between national,

state, & local governments.

The first constitution gave the government the right to pass laws on certain subjects & allowed the states to keep all other lawmaking rights. federal government: military & agreements

with other countries state governments: education & state police

The first constitution gave the government the right to pass laws on certain subjects & allowed the states to keep all other lawmaking rights. federal government: military & agreements

with other countries state governments: education & state police


How does a federal system of government divide power?

How does a federal system of government divide power?


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

smaller units such as states


smaller units such as states



smaller units such as states What defines the rights,

responsibilities, & duties of the central & state governments?



responsibilities, & duties of the central & state governments?




responsibilities, & duties of the central & state governments? a constitution



responsibilities, & duties of the central & state governments? a constitution

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