The Formation of Governments

Key Terms

unitary system, federal system, confederacy, constitution, constitutional government, preamble, constitutional law, politics, industrialized nation, developing nation

Find Out

• What are the main purposes of a constitution?

• What are the similarities and differences between a unitary government and a federal government system?

Understanding Concepts

Global Perspectives The United States Constitution is the oldest written constitution still in use. What does this imply about the stability of government in the world?

Section Objective

Cite similarities and differences between unitary and federal governments.

The Formation of Governments

One of the smallest nations in the world also has one of the oldest governments. Switzerland began in 1291 as a confederation of 3 small cantons, or provincial governments, and today includes 23 cantons.

A. A unitary system of government gives all key powers to the national or central government.

I. Government Systems (page 12)

B. A federal system of government divides the powers of government between the national government and state or provincial governments.

What are the major advantages of a federal system of government?

Security against a concentration of power; participation at more levels of government.

I. Government Systems (page 12)

A. A constitution is a plan that provides the rules for government.

II. Constitutions and Government (pages 13–14)

B. Whether written or unwritten, a constitution organizes the structure of government and the way it operates.

C. Constitutions set out the goals and purposes of government as well as the ideals shared by the people.

D. Constitutions provide the supreme law for states and their governments.

How important do you think a written constitution is to a democratic form of government?

Answers will vary. Students should note the need for limited government.

II. Constitutions and Government (pages 13–14)

A. Politics is the effort to control or influence the policies and actions of government.

III. Politics and Government (pages 14–15)

B. Individuals and groups use politics to seek benefits from government.

C. Although special interest groups seek special benefits, politics also provides benefits for all the people.

Why do some U.S. citizens consider “politics” negative?

The negative side of political news often receives more attention.

III. Politics and Government (pages 14–15)

A. The world today is divided into industrialized nations, developing nations, and newly industrialized nations.

IV.Governing in a Complex World (pages 16–17)

B. These groups of nations have many differences, but they are interdependent in many ways.

C. Other groups besides nations, including multinational corporations, political movements, terrorist groups and international organizations, are important in today’s world.

What responsibility does the United States bear for the welfare of other nations?

Answers will vary. Students may point out that our welfare is closely linked to that of the rest of the world.

IV.Governing in a Complex World (pages 16–17)

1. Main Idea In a Venn diagram like the one below, show the similarities and differences between a constitutional government and a government that merely has a constitution.

Checking for Understanding

Constitutional government: Constitution authorizes the government to operate within limits set by the constitution. Government with a constitution: Government operates by its own authority with few limits. Both: A written plan exists for organizing and operating the government.

___ confederacy

___ preamble

___ politics

___ constitutional law

___ constitution

A. a plan that provides the rules for government

B. the effort to control or influence the conduct and policies of government

C. law that involves the interpretation and application of the U.S. Constitution and state constitutions

D. a loose union of independent states

E. a statement in a constitution that sets forth the goals and purposes of government

Checking for Understanding

D

E

B

C

A

Match the term with the correct definition.

3. Identify The Federalist.

Checking for Understanding

The Federalist was a series of articles written by James Madison that addressed issues concerning the launching of a new government.

4. Analyze how events in the Middle East illustrate economic interdependence.

Checking for Understanding

The U.S. and other nations rely on oil from the Middle East and have intervened militarily and diplomatically to protect oil supplies and maintain order.

5. Analyzing Information James Madison wanted to prevent “factions,” or special interest groups. Would it be possible to have government without special interest groups? Explain.

Critical Thinking

In a democratic society, government without special interest groups is probably impossible since people want to influence government for their own benefit or that of their communities. In a totalitarian state most political activity is repressed.

Global Perspectives Choose five foreign nations and find out about each nation’s basic structure of government. When was its constitution adopted? Is the government democratic? Obtain information from a local library or on the Internet.