Systems and Types of Government

What is a system of government? A system of government is how power is

divided between national and state government

Systems of Government

Confederate System – a loose union of independent states Advantage – protects state’s rights Disadvantage – weak central government Why is this a problem?

Systems of Government Federal System – divides the power of

government between states and central government Advantage – balance of power between central &

state government Disadvantage – slows the progression of legislation

Why is this a problem?

Systems of Government Unitary system – gives all major powers to the

central government The central government has the power to overrule

state and local governments and give them limited sovereignty. Sovereignty means – legal authority in an area

Advantage – strong central government, legislation can be passed quickly

Disadvantage – states have limited, to no power What is the problem What system does the United States have?

Types of Government Limited Government (restricted) – any type of

government in which rule is by the people Democracy – is any system of government in

which rule is by the people. Direct Democracy – people govern themselves

by voting directly on individual issues. Advantage: Citizen’s opinions are directly heard. Disadvantage: too difficult to work on a large scale

Types of Government Representative Democracy – the people elect

individuals who then represent them by voting on laws Advantage: Ensures that the opinions of individual

citizens are represented. Disadvantage: There is no guarantee that the

representative’s votes will reflect the wishes of their voters.

Parliamentary Democracy – executive and legislative functions both reside in the elected assembly, or parliament. Members are elected to Parliament, then the

members of Parliament elect a member to the executive branch.

Types of Government Unlimited government (powerful): any type of

government in which the power and authority to rule are in the hands of a supreme ruler.

Also known as an Authoritarian Government Dictator – one person in total power Monarchy – ruler born into power (king or queen) Absolute Monarchy – ruler has complete and total

control Constitutional Monarchy – share power with

elected legislature (THIS IS A LIMITED GOVERNMENT) Oligarchy – small group of rulers that share power