govt Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is a Unitary System?
One single central government holds the power
Local governments (if they exist) are created by and controlled by the central government.
What are the features of a Unitary System?
Laws and policies are usually the same across the whole country, quick decision-making due to no power struggle
Local governments are subordinate to the central government.
Why might a country adopt a Unitary System?
Makes sense for smaller countries or those that want strong national unity, useful in homogeneous populations
Everyone shares similar culture/language.
What are the merits of a Unitary System?
Uniform laws, easy to manage, strong national identity, quick implementation of policies
Less confusion due to uniformity.
What are the demerits of a Unitary System?
Can ignore local needs, central government might become too powerful, locals feel left out of decision-making, central system failure leads to collapse
Risk of dictatorship vibes.
Give examples of countries with a Unitary System.
France, Japan, UK (kinda)
UK has devolved powers but is still unitary at its core.
What is a Federal System?
Power is shared between central government and states/provinces
Each level has its own laws, leaders, and responsibilities.
What are the features of a Federal System?
Constitution or agreement protects the power split
Each level of government has defined powers.
Why might a country adopt a Federal System?
Useful in large, diverse countries, helps keep unity while giving locals some power
Accommodates different languages, cultures, or needs.
What are the merits of a Federal System?
Respects local diversity, reduces overload on central government, states can act as ‘policy labs’, encourages political participation
Local autonomy enhances governance.
What are the demerits of a Federal System?
Can lead to conflicts between state and federal laws, slower decision-making, uneven development, risk of separatism
Richer states might thrive more than poorer ones.
Give examples of countries with a Federal System.
USA, Nigeria, India, Germany, Australia
Each has a distinct federal structure.
What is a Confederal System?
Power lies mainly with independent states, central authority is weak
States can leave the union if desired.
What are the features of a Confederal System?
Central authority exists only because states want it to, maximum independence for states
Cooperation without full control.
Why might a country adopt a Confederal System?
To cooperate without fully merging powers, good for maximum independence with shared benefits
Useful for defense, trade, etc.
What are the merits of a Confederal System?
Maximum independence for states, allows cooperation, useful for defense or economic collaboration
States maintain control.
What are the demerits of a Confederal System?
Central government is too weak, decision-making is slow or chaotic, states may not agree, can fall apart easily
Loyalty to the union is optional.
Give examples of Confederal Systems.
Confederate States of America, early USA under Articles of Confederation, modern-day EU (sort of)
EU is not fully confederal but shows some characteristics.
What is the power center in a Unitary System?
Central government
Local autonomy is very low.
What is the power center in a Federal System?
Shared power between central government and states
Local autonomy is high.
What is the power center in a Confederal System?
Local states
Autonomy is very high.
