1. Types of Government

2. All government power is held by the national government
Chapter
Systems of Government
-What level of government has power—national or a lesser level, determines the system of government that a nation uses
1. Unitary System
All government power is held by the national government
Also called centralized
Examples: Italy, Great Britain, France
2. Confederate System
Most government power is held by the states/provinces
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3. A loose alliance of smaller governments
Chapter
(Continued)
A loose alliance of smaller governments
States do give up some power in order to form a national government
No nations currently use a confederate system
3. Federal System
Government power is shared between the national and state/provincial level
Examples: U.S., Australia, Germany, India, Mexico
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4. A single person holds power
Chapter
Forms of Government
-Who has power—individuals or groups, determines the form of government that a nation uses
Autocracy
A single person holds power
Power is usually inherited or kept by force, i.e. dictatorships and monarchies
Totalitarian Dictatoryship
Examples: Saudi Arabia (absolute monarchy), North Korea (dictatorship)
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5. 2. Oligarchy “Rule by the Few” A few individuals hold power
Chapter
(Continued)
2. Oligarchy “Rule by the Few”
A few individuals hold power
Wealth and military power usually influence who the oligarchs will be
Examples: China, Japan (before and during WWII)
Communism-Cuba
3. Democracy- “Rule by the Many”
All individuals hold power, usually in the form of voting
Direct, Representative, “Republic”
Example Nations: U.S., Ireland, Australia, many more
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