Systems of Government

Question 1

Define Unitary:

Answer 1

One government which rules all the people e.g in most Commonwealth Caribbean countries.

Question 2

Define Federal:

Answer 2

A system of government where the powers are divided up between a national government and a local states e.g. USA.

Question 3

Define Theocracy:

Answer 3

Government by religion.

Question 3

Define Autocracy:

Answer 3

A system of government in which one person holds absolute power.

Question 4

Define Monarchy:

Answer 4

Government by a King or Queen
Dictatorship Government by one, man who holds power by
force.

Question 5

Define Aristocracy:

Answer 5

Government by the wealthy.

Question 6

Define Democracy:

Answer 6

Government by the majority of people.

Question 7

Define Proletariat:

Answer 7

Government by the workers.

Question 8

Define Republic:

Answer 8

Government by the people without a monarch

Question 9

Define Oligarchy:

Answer 9

Government by a few.

Question 10

Define Tyranny:

Answer 10

Government by one person for his own private
interest.

Question 11

Why was the 1600s important for the British West Indies?

Answer 11

The 1600s were important because Britain began to colonize several islands in the West Indies, establishing control over them.

Question 12

Which islands did the British settle in the 1600s, and when?

Answer 12

The British acquired the following islands:
St. Kitts - 1624
Barbados - 1627
Nevis - 1628
Antigua - 1632
Montserrat - 1635
Jamaica - 1655

Question 13

How were the British colonies governed initially?

Answer 13

Initially, a lord proprietor governed each colony on behalf of the king. This allowed the king to avoid direct responsibility and expenses.

Question 14

What was the role of the lord proprietor?

Answer 14

The lord proprietor managed the colony, collected taxes from the colonists, and paid a fee to the king for the privilege of governing.

Question 15

Why did the British monarchy switch to direct control of the colonies?

Answer 15

As the colonies became more profitable, the king wanted more direct control to increase revenue and manage them better. By 1663, all colonies were under Crown control.

Question 16

What was the Old Representative System?

Answer 16

The Old Representative System allowed colonists to elect representatives to a council and assembly. This gave them some say in local governance while still being under royal authority.

Question 16

How did these political changes reflect British colonial policy?

Answer 16

The changes showed a trend toward greater control by the British Crown as the colonies became more valuable, leading to direct governance and representative systems.

Question 17

What were the economic reasons for British colonization?

Answer 17

The main economic reasons were the desire to grow profitable crops like sugar and tobacco, which were in demand in Europe.

Question 18

What was the Old Representative System?

Answer 18

A colonial government structure similar to Great Britain, consisting of a governor appointed by the Crown, a Council chosen by the governor, and an Assembly elected by a small group of property-owning men.

Question 19

Who could vote under this system?

Answer 19

Only white property owners could vote. Slaves and free black people could not vote.

Question 20

Who made up the Assemblies?

Answer 20

Assemblies were mainly composed of white planters and merchants, focusing on their own interests rather than the needs of the poorer population.

Question 21

What changes occurred due to local protests?

Answer 21

After protests, the British government allowed some local representatives (unofficials) to join the Council. Eventually, unofficials became the majority.

Question 22

What is limited franchise?

Answer 22

Limited franchise meant only men who owned property or paid certain taxes could vote, excluding many people, including most women and many descendants of African and Indian immigrants.

Question 23

What is Universal Adult Suffrage?

Answer 23

Universal Adult Suffrage allows all citizens to vote when they reach a certain age, regardless of property or gender. This was achieved after women campaigned for their voting rights.

Question 24

When did Universal Adult Suffrage start in the Caribbean?

Answer 24

It began in Jamaica in 1944 and spread to other Caribbean countries in the 1950s.

Question 25

What role does the British Monarch have in independent Caribbean nations?

Answer 25

The British Monarch remains a ceremonial head of state through the governor-general, but actual power is held by the elected government.

Question 25

What happened after these colonies achieved Universal Adult Suffrage?

Answer 25

The former British colonies began gaining independence, starting with Jamaica in 1962, while still being part of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Question 26

What led to the establishment of the Crown Colony government?

Answer 26

The British learned from their experiences with the Old Representative System and decided to create a new form of government for colonies like British Guyana and Trinidad.

Question 26

What were the key features of the Crown Colony government?

Answer 26

The Crown Colony government included:
A Governor who represented the Crown (Monarch).
A Council chosen by the Governor to advise him, but this Council had no power to make laws. Unlike the Old Representative System, there were no elected Assemblies.

Question 26

What powers did the Crown retain in this system?

Answer 26

The Crown had the power to override any decisions made by the local government if they were deemed unfavorable.

Question 27

What happened to the Old Representative System as the 19th century progressed?

Answer 27

Most colonies that had the Old Representative System transitioned to the Crown Colony government.

Question 28

What are British Overseas Territories?

Answer 28

British Overseas Territories are regions that remain under British control and do not have independence. They often choose to stay British Territories.

Question 29

How are local affairs managed in British Overseas Territories today?

Answer 29

In many British Overseas Territories, local affairs are managed by an elected government led by a premier or chief minister. Examples of these territories include Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

Question 30

What economic issues did the Caribbean face in the 1930s?

Answer 30

The 1930s brought economic depression, resulting in mass unemployment, low wages, malnutrition, and poor housing conditions.

Question 31

What significant political change occurred after World War II?

Answer 31

Universal adult suffrage was granted to colonists, leading to demands for political reform and the eventual granting of independent status to the colonies by the British government.

Question 32

What is a constitutional monarchy?

Answer 32

A constitutional monarchy is a system where the monarch is the official head of state but does not participate in daily government or politics. The monarch’s powers are defined and limited by a constitution.

Question 33

Which Caribbean countries gained independence first, and when?

Answer 33

Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago were the first to gain independence in August 1962. Other countries followed:
Barbados and Guyana - 1966
The Bahamas - 1973
Grenada - 1974
St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines - 1979
Antigua and Barbuda - 1981
St. Kitts and Nevis - 1983
Belize

Question 34

What changes occurred in governance after independence?

Answer 34

Countries gained full control over their national and international affairs. The Governor (from England) was replaced by a Governor General (a citizen of the island), and a Prime Minister replaced the Premier as head of government.

Question 35

What symbols changed with independence?

Answer 35

Independent countries replaced the Union Jack (the British flag) with their own national flags and established their own Defence Forces.

Question 36

What is the role of the Governor General in a constitutional monarchy?

Answer 36

Appointing the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and Members of Parliament, Signing Bills into law, Delivering the Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament, dissolving Parliament on the Prime Minister’s advice, declaring a State of Emergency when needed, receiving foreign ambassadors.

Question 37

How does a constitutional monarchy differ from an absolute monarchy?

Answer 37

In an absolute monarchy, the monarch has unchecked power and may be above the law. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch is always subject to the law.

Question 38

What are the Commonwealth Caribbean republics?

Answer 38

Republics are countries that do not pledge allegiance to a monarch and have a president as the head of state. Three Commonwealth Caribbean countries have become republics:
Guyana - became a republic in 1970
Trinidad and Tobago - became a republic in 1976
Dominica - became a republic upon independence in 1978

Question 39

What is the difference between a presidential republic and a parliamentary republic?

Answer 39

Presidential Republic is the head of state (president) is also the head of government and has full constitutional powers. This is the system in Guyana where as Parliamentary Republic is the president serves a ceremonial role, while the prime minister is the head of government with executive authority. This system is used in Trinidad and Tobago and Dominica.

Question 40

What are the powers of the president in a parliamentary republic?

Answer 40

In a parliamentary republic:
The president is nominated by the prime minister in consultation with the opposition leader.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the president is elected by Parliament if there is no agreement between the prime minister and the opposition leader.
The president appoints the prime minister, who leads the party with the most elected representatives in Parliament.
The president also appoints Cabinet members on the prime minister’s advice.

Question 41

What is the relationship between the prime minister, Cabinet, and Parliament?

Answer 41

The prime minister and Cabinet are responsible to Parliament, meaning they must answer to elected representatives about their decisions and governance.

Question 42

What do republics do regarding their governance?

Answer 42

Each republic drafts its own Constitution, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of the president and the structure of the government.

Question 43

What are the two broad categories of government systems in the Caribbean?

Answer 43

The two broad categories are democratic and totalitarian systems. Most Commonwealth Caribbean countries have a democratic system.

Question 44

What does the term “democracy” mean?

Answer 44

Democracy means “rule by the people,” where citizens have the power to participate in government decisions.

Question 45

What is representative democracy?

Answer 45

Representative democracy is a system where the electorate votes for members of parliament (MPs) to represent them. In some cases, the electorate also elects the president.

Question 46

What are the key features that must be in place for a true democracy to exist?

Answer 46

Political parties and free elections with a choice of candidates. A free press to inform the public. Decentralization of power, allowing local governments to operate independently.
Interest groups and associations that connect individuals with the state.

Question 47

What characterizes a totalitarian government?

Answer 47

A totalitarian government is controlled by a single ruling group or party that suppresses independent organizations and political parties, and does not recognize citizens’ rights and responsibilities.

Question 48

Can you give an example of a totalitarian state in the Caribbean?

Answer 48

Cuba under Fidel Castro is a prominent example of a totalitarian state.

Question 49

What is a dictatorship?

Answer 49

A dictatorship is ruled by a sole ruler (dictator) who is not elected through legal means and often comes to power through a coup d’état.

Question 50

What is a coup d’état?

Answer 50

A coup d’état is a sudden overthrow of a government, typically carried out by a small group, often military leaders.

Question 51

Who were the Duvaliers, and what is their significance?

Answer 51

François “Papa Doc” Duvalier and his son Jean-Claude Duvalier were dictators in Haiti from 1959 to 1986, known for their authoritarian rule.

Question 52

What are revolutionary governments?

Answer 52

Revolutionary governments are formed after a revolution to implement new political ideologies or reforms.

Question 53

Can you provide an example of a revolutionary government in the Caribbean?

Answer 53

Grenada under Maurice Bishop and the People’s Revolutionary Government (PRG) from 1979 to 1983 is an example.