SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT
SS.7.C.3.2 Compare parliamentary,
federal, confederal, and unitary
systems of government.
Government
• What words, terms, or concepts come to mind
when you think about the term government?
Distribution of Power Reading
We are going to read about the different
systems of government. While reading, you
will mark any phrases or words that help you
define parliamentary, federal, confederal, and
unitary systems of government. After reading,
you will use your evidence to write the
definition in your own words and then create
a visual for the different systems of
government.
3.1
BELLRINGER
2/19
• Popular Sovereignty (rule by the
people) is the basis for which form
of government?
• A. republic
• B. socialism
• C. communism
• D. monarchy
CHECK YOUR ANSWERS
•
•
•
•
C.3.1
1. C
2. C
3. A
•
•
•
•
C.3.2
1. A
2. A
3. D
• You have received a card with either a form of
government (3.1) or a system of government
(3.2)
3.1/3.2 “Clue” Review Game
• On your paper write down 3 clues to help your
classmates guess what term you have without using
the term, or the words“form” or “system”. The clues
must be specific, not “we talked about it yesterday.”
• When it’s your turn, share your clues one at a time
with the class. You can only read them once.
• Each group will write on their paper either the form
of government or the system of government they
think the “clues” are referring to.
• When I give the signal, each group will reveal the
correct answer. You get one point if you get it right.
• The group with the most correct answers will be the
winner! 
3.1/3.2 “Clue” Review Game
• Working with a partner, you will need one
sheet of paper. Put both of your names on
the top and your period number.
Forms and Systems of Government
Autocracy
Confederal
Absolute Monarchy
Federal
Communism
Parliamentary
Direct Democracy
Unitary
Monarchy
Oligarchy
Representative Democracy
Socialism
Comparing Systems of Government
Activity Sheet
Directions:
1. After reading and marking the “Distribution of
Power” reading, enter the sentences or
phrases you found from the reading into the
boxes on your activity sheet.
2. Using the evidence you found from each
reading to create your own definition of each
system of government.
3. Create a visual representation of each system
of government. (See next slides for examples)
icivics Federalism Lesson
In the following lesson from icivics, each chair
picture represents how power is organized for
the federal, unitary and confederal systems.
3.1
BELLRINGER
2/23
The image below is of a political party meeting.
Based on this image, which form of government is
making all decisions about the ownership and control of
economic resources in a country?
A. absolute monarchy
B. direct democracy
C. communism
D. oligarchy
Systems of Government Scenarios
Activity Sheet
Directions:
1. Read each scenario and decide if a
confederal, federal, parliamentary, or unitary
system is being described.
2. Write the system in the second row.
3. In the third row, list words or phrases you
used to make your decision.
Checking for Understanding
Prompt:
Write a well-crafted paragraph (at least 5
sentences) that compares the unitary and
federal systems of government. Use evidence
from each reading to support your answer.
3.1/3.2 QUIZ TODAY
1. Study your vocabulary when you come in the
room.
2. Put your quiz in the drawer when you are
finished.
3. Complete #4 “Systems of Government Scenarios.”
(front and back)
4. Complete ALL Unit 11 and Unit 14 Assignments.
5. Put your Benchmark Reviews in numerical order.
Make a list of page numbers you are missing.
6. Work on assignments from other classes.
7. Read a book.
8. Have a great weekend! 