Distribution of Power Government Why Do We Have

Distribution of Power Government

Why Do We Have Governments? � They organize ways for creating laws/rules designed to protect the well-being of the general public and to help manage conflict. � They determine the power structure (who has the power) within a country. � In some countries, only one person or party maintain centralized control of the government, while in others power is shared between individuals and government

Why Do We Have Governments? � All countries require governments to function. � Governments provide laws, structure, public services and national defense. � There are different types of governments › democracies › republics › dictatorships › monarchies

How is Power shared? � Unitary � Federal � Confederation

Unitary �A system in which power is held by one central authority � All power is given to one branch of government � Examples › United Kingdom (U. K. ) › Sweden › Spain

Confederation � A system in which power is shared by an alliance or union of political organizations � Independence states volunteer to work together for some common purpose and agree to certain limits on their freedom of action as a confederation � Examples › OPEC › League of States › European Union

Federal � A system in which power is shared by a powerful central government and the state and local governments. � States or provinces are given considerable self-rule, usually through their own legislature. � Examples › United States › Mexico › Germany

Ticket Out The Door How is the power distributed politically?