Government Distribution of Power
Essential Question
Unitary
Central Government has ALL the power
Central Government can give power to lower levels like States/local governments but...
This power can be taken away at any time
Advantages:
- easy to settle problems - no interference with the lower levels.
- easy to know who makes the decisions
- allows for a more unified country
Disadvantages:
- Central government might not have all the answers to the problems or issues.
- Might not be able to handle all of the problems.
Examples: United Kingdom and Cuba
Confederation
States have more power than the central government
A Confederation is a small group of states or communities that come together to help solve common problems
Usually formed with a treaty that may have a constitution
Participants are equal and must meet before taking action
Usually this is the first step toward creating a more powerful government
partnership
Advantages:
- members can choose the best option or decision for local issues
Disadvantages:
- have been unsuccessful in the past
- less unified
- do not have to agree with other laws
Examples: British Commonwealth Nations and the European Union
Federal
Has a constitution
Central Government shares power with the lower levels (States)
Power cannot be taken from the lower levels
Advantages:
- States/local governments can solve problems while the central government focuses on bigger issues
- "Check" each other for bad decisions
- Efficient way to manage
- Many opportunities for citizens to participate
Disadvantages
- Confusion on roles/who has what power
- Less unified
- Each state/local government have different laws
- Slow to process or pass an amendment
Examples: United States and Germany, Russia, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Mexico
2. How do government systems distribute power?
Ticket Out the Door:
- How did you contribute to your group?
- Do you think you were a good group member, why or why not?