Systems of Government
Unitary System
• Term Definition
Unitary
A system of government in
System
which power is centralized
• Definition
in the national government;
• Pros regional governments only
powers given by
• Cons exercise
national government.
Term
Pros
Cons
Promotes national
unity.
Broad public policies
may not fit the needs of
the entire country or
population.
All parts of the
country follow the
same laws and
policies.
Central government
officials cannot know
the needs of every
locality.
Federal System
• Term Definition
Federal
A system of government in
System
which power is divided
• Definition
between national and
• Pros regional governments.
• Cons
Term
Pros
Cons
Works well for
large, diverse
countries.
Patchwork of conflicting
or competing laws from
region to region.
Gives regional
governments
flexibility in
meeting diverse
needs.
May foster conflict
between central and
regional governments.
Confederal System
• Term Definition
Confederal A system of government
System
in which power resides in
• Definition
the regions, which are
• Pros independent states; the
government gets
• Cons central
power from regional
Term
governments.
Pros
Cons
Allows regional governments to
unite for some
purposes without giving up the
power to run their own affairs.
Gives regional governments
flexibility to meet local needs.
Central
government
may be too
weak to meet
the needs of the
nation as a
whole.
Prevents rise of an
authoritarian central
government.
May lead to
conflict between
regions.
Forms of Government
Term
Definition
Pros
Cons
Authoritarian/
Totalitarian
Government has
leaders who control
the economic,
social, and political
lives of the people.
-All decisions made
by a small number
of people, less
room for
disagreements.
-Opposition to the
government is not
allowed, force is
used to control
population.
-Elections may be
held, however
opposition leaders
are persecuted and
voting may not be
fairly conducted.
-Few freedoms,
media may be
controlled by state.
Term
Definition
Pros
Cons
Dictatorship
Single person exercises
Efficient decision
Power can be used to
supreme power based on making
abuse citizens who
control of military and
oppose dictator
police.
Control of military
and police allows for
maintenance of order
Term
Definition
Pros
Cons
Oligarchy
A few people or a
single political party
is allowed and
power is derived
from wealth, social
position, and/or
military power.
Easier to pass laws People with different
by avoiding political political views are shut
debate common in out of political process.
multi party states.
Term
Definition
Pros
Cons
Theocracy
Power exercised by religious
leaders
Political decisions
are in line with
people’s moral
values and beliefs
Religious minorities
often persecuted
State supported
religion promotes
political and social
unity
Difficult to enforce
religious unity
Term
Definition
Pros
Cons
Monarchy
A single ruler has supreme
power based on heredity or
divine right.
Efficient decision
making
Quality of leadership varies
Loyalty to monarch Modern nation states too
unifies people
complex for most
Monarchs to manage well
Term
Definition
Pros
Cons
Direct Democracy
Citizens exercise
power by meeting
together and voting
Every citizen has an
equal say
Time consuming for
citizens
Decisions have
widespread support
Term
Definition
Parliamentary
Democracy
People elect
representatives to
parliament
Pros
Easier to pass laws
because the
legislature and
executive branch
The leading party in are lead by same
parliament selects
party
the chief executive
Cons
No clear separation
between legislative and
executive
Fewer checks on
executive power
Term
Definition
Pros
Cons
Republic/
Representative
Democracy
People elect
representatives to
legislature and also
elect the chief
executive
Separation of
legislative and
executive power
prevents abuse of
power
Gridlock can occur when
president is not from the
same party that controls
the legislature
President more
responsive to
people not just
party