Competency 3.6 - compare various political systems in terms of elements, structures, and functions Flashcards
centralized
type of government that describes where supreme government authority lies; in this system, governments can have more uniform policy, equity, and less conflict
decentralized
type of government that describes where supreme government authority lies; this government is often considered closer to the people, more responsive and flexible for meeting citizen’s needs, and open to innovation
unitary
type of government that describes where supreme government authority lies; this government puts all authority in a sole, central organization, and all citizens are all entitled to the same rights and benefits
confederation (con-federal)
type of government that describes where supreme government authority lies; in this government most of the power is allocated to regional governments who can defy the national government to whom they allow only a limited amount of power
federal government
type of government that describes where supreme government authority lies; in this government, member states give up most of their power to a central government, but still retain some power as well
parliamentary
type of government that describes how the executive and legislative branches interact; this system of government has a fusion of the two branches with the executive leader known as the prime minister or premier; this executive leader presides over the legislative body
prime minister / premier
executive leader of a parliamentary government
presidential
type of government that describes how the executive and legislative branches interact; this system of government is based on the strict application of the idea of separation of powers, where each branch has equal power to balance and check each other
anarchy
type of government that is based on the number of decision makers who participate in government operations; this government happens when no one person or body is making the decisions, in other words, everyone isnfree to do as they please
stateless societies
individual autonomous communities OR a group without a physical area and/or leader to call their own
autocracy
type of government that is based on the number of decision makers who participate in government operations;in this government, only one person has dominant power and makes all decisions in the government
oligarchy
type of government that is based on the number of decision makers who participate in government operations; in this government, a small, elite group makes all the decisions in the government; this group is elected, however, the right to vote is restricted to few
plutocracy
type of government that is based on the number of decision makers who participate in government operations; type of oligarchy that rule by very few, yet super wealthy, individuals
polyarchy
type of government that is based on the number of decision makers who participate in government operations; this government is ruled by many
democracy
type of government that is based on the number of decision makers who participate in government operations; this system if government didtributed power fairly evenly throughout and allows all citizens the right to vote