1. FORMS of GOVERNMENT
SS6CG4: The student will compare and contrast various forms of government.

2. FORMS of GOVERNMENT SS7CG4:
a. Describe the ways government systems distribute power: unitary, confederation, and federal
ESSENTIAL QUESTION
How is power distributed in different forms of government (unitary, confederation, and federal)?

3. Social Studies Theme: GOVERNANCE
The student will understand that as society increases in complexity and interacts with other societies, the complexity of the government increases.

4. Types of Distribution
There are three (3) basic types of ways in which power is distributed, or spread throughout a government: to spread power throughout government
Unitary
Confederation
Federal
These terms are just words to describe WHO has the power in the government, WHO is the decision maker.

5. Types of Distribution UNITARY:
a form of government in which power is held by one central authority
Examples of Unitary governments:
Dictatorship, absolute monarchy
Countries with Unitary governments:
North Korea, Saudi Arabia

6. Types of Distribution Confederation
voluntary associations of independent states that, to secure some common purpose, agree to certain limitations on their freedom of action and establish some joint machinery of consultation or deliberation.
In simpler terms, it means that groups get together to voluntarily work together for each other’s benefit. It is not required that they work together. Each group may choose to leave the confederation at any time.

7. Types of Distribution Confederation (continued)
Usually created by a treaty, in today’s world, confederations are mostly created for common action towards other states
Types of Leaders:
Secretary-General (UN) United Nations
Example: League of Arab States, OPEC

8. Types of Distribution Federal:
A form of government in which power is divided between one central and several regional authorities
Types of leaders:
Presidents, Prime Ministers
Example of Federal government in ME-Israel

9. In a unitary government system, most of the power is in the hands of
Individual voters
Kings and advisors
C. Local governments
D. Central government

10. Which of the following countries would be a good example of a unitary government?
Israel
B. Lebanon
C. Saudi Arabia
D. United States

11. In a confederation government, most of the power is in the hands of the
Legislature
B. Individual voters
C. Local governments
D. Central government

12. What is a weakness of a confederation government system?
A confederation is very expensive
B. Confederations are too large to rule effectively
C. A confederation does not share power with its members.
D. The central government has only as much power as the local governments are willing to give.

13. Which Middle Eastern country would be a good example of a federal system of government?
Iran
B. Israel
C. Kuwait
D. Saudi Arabia