Unit 4 Topic 7 Flashcards
What is power distribution?
How power in a government is spread out and organized.
What is democracy?
A form of government where power rests in the hands of the people who can elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf
What is federalism?
A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces
What is a unitary state?
Power is located in the central or national governments (little to no power is given to regional and local governments).
These are usually found where the population is relatively homogenous and/or countries that are small.
Examples: China, Vietnam, Chile, Spain, Turkey, Fiji, etc.
What are positives of a unitary state?
Creation of a national identity and patriotic pride
Reduces potential for devolution
Laws/Policies are implemented faster and more efficiently
Corruption at the local level is reduced
What are some negatives of unitary states?
Minorities are often marginalized
Local needs may be ignored
Laws and politics are dominated by the interests of the dominant group
What is a federal state?
The power is held by regional units. These units have some autonomy. Power is shared between national assemblies and regional/provincial/local assemblies in local capital cities. These are usually found in countries where the population is relatively heterogeneous and/or in large countries.
Examples: Malaysia, Nepal, Argentina, The United States of America, etc.
What are positives of federal states?
Laws are created with the local interests in mind
The local governments can help in times of emergencies
Minorities and cultures can be maintained
What are negatives of federal states
Different laws are seen across a country
The implementation of national laws/policies are slower
Devolutionary forces have more potential to become popular or gain acceptance
