Unitary Power may be in the hands of one person or group National government has more power than local governments Examples: Cuba

Confederation Local governments have more power than national government Each region governs most of its own affairs Regions sometimes consider themselves independent

Federal Power is divided between national and local governments Local governments control local affairs but also obey the national government Usually it is the government of large democracies Examples: Brazil, Mexico

Autocratic Citizens have little control over the government Power is in the hands of one person Example: Cuba

Oligarchic A small group of people control the government Most people are not able to affect the government

Democratic Citizens have more ability to participate than they do in other governments Government leaders are elected into power, directly or indirectly Citizens often participate in voting on laws Examples: Brazil, Mexico

Parliamentary Democracy Citizens vote for members of the legislative branch The executive leader (or prime minister) is appointed from the legislature Head of government and head of state are two different people

Presidential Democracy Citizens usually vote for members of the executive and legislative branch A single person is elected as chief executive (or president) The president is both head of government (chief executive) and head of state Examples: Brazil, Mexico

Government of Cuba Type of Government: Communist state (considered by many to be a Communist dictatorship) Leaders: President (can pass legislation through decrees)

Government of Cuba Legislature: Unicameral (one-chambered) National Assembly of People's Power (vote on laws proposed by the only legal political party) Citizen's Role: Citizens age 16 or older allowed to vote. There is only one legal political party (Cuban Communist Party, or PCC). Only members from the PCC can run for office. This leaves little choice for voters

Government of Brazil Type of Government: Federal republic (similar to U.S.—states have control but recognize national government as highest authority) Leaders: President

Government of Brazil Legislature: Bicameral (two-chambered) Congress Citizen's Role: Citizens age 16-18 are allowed to vote. From age 19-70, they are required to vote. After age 70, they are allowed to vote but not required to.

Government of Mexico Type of Government: Federal republic Leader: President Legislature: Bicameral, called the General Congress of the United Mexican States (upper house is the Senate and the lower house is the House of Deputies; similar to the U.S. legislature, the Mexican congress has the power to make laws and raise taxes

Government of Mexico Citizen's Role: Citizens age 18 or older are allowed to vote. Citizens elect 300 deputies and half of the senators. The other 200 deputies and other half of the senators are chosen by proportional representation. Citizens elect a president to serve a six-year term. The president cannot be re-elected

Government of Canada Type of Government: Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy Link to the United Kingdom: The king or queen of England is also the monarch of Canada (symbolic role), and Canada is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The governor general represents the monarch in Canada and serves as head of state. Government Leaders: The governor general (head of state) and prime minister (head of government, equal to the U.S. President) are the governmental leaders in Canada. The governor general is a ceremonial role that has little power.

Government of Canada Legislature: The legislature is a bicameral (two-house) legislature with the Senate and the House of Commons. Special considerations: Because the province of Québec has a strong French history and heritage, it is allowed to use a civil law judicial system, similar to the type in France. The rest of Canada uses an English common law judicial system. Citizen's Role: Citizens age 18 or older may vote. Citizens elect members of House of Commons. Senate members are recommended by the prime minister. The governor general appoints Senate members.