Distribution of Power
Unitary Central government has most power; local governments have few or none
Confederation Alliance of countries ; power is shared equally by local governments
Federation/ Federal Powers are divided between central and local powers
Examples: Unitary – France, Italy, United Kingdom Confederation – British Commonwealth, European Union Federal – United States, Germany, Russia Which is the most common type? Unitary Which is the least common type? Confederation
Citizen Participation
Autocratic Ruled by one
D i cta tor shi p
M ona r chy
Hitler
Queen/King; Czar Nicholas II
Oligarchic Ruled by few/small group
Exa mpl e Communist China
Democratic Citizens have a voice/vote in government
Pa r l i a menta r y UK: Prime Minister
How do they get their power?
Pr esi denti a l US: President
Autocratic – no citizen participation Dictatorship – ruler takes power by force Monarchy – ruler inherited power Oligarchic – limited citizen participation
Political party holds power by force
Democratic – high citizen participation (voting) Parliamentary – citizen elect others who choose the leader Presidential – citizens directly elect