Systems of Governments To study governments geographers look

Systems of Governments

To study governments, geographers look at the following: Types – Who rules and how do citizens participate? Systems – How is the power distributed?

Systems of Government are based on one question: How is the power distributed? There are three ways governments distribute power: Unitary l Confederation l Federal l

Unitary One central government controls weaker states. Power is not shared between states, counties, or provinces. Examples : United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and former Soviet Union

Unitary Diagram:

Unitary Governments of the World (All countries in blue)

Confederation Two Options: l l l A. A voluntary or weak association of independent states that agrees to follow a central government. Each state makes its own laws and the central government is only concerned defense, trade and/or money. B. Nations can choose to follow or not follow the lead of the weak central government. Examples: Confederate States of America ( 1861 -1865), European Union, Switzerland

Confederation Diagram:

Federal Power is shared by a powerful central government. States or provinces are given considerable self rule, usually through their own legislatures. Examples: United States of America, Federal Republic of Germany

Federal System Diagram:

Federal Governments of the World (All countries in green)

Written Summary: How is the power distributed politically? Image from Center of Civic Education. 2008