Unitary and federal states

What is the main characteristic of a unitary state?

A unitary state is governed by a central authority, with regions or provinces having autonomy delegated by the central government.

Which countries are examples of federal states?

Countries like the United States, Germany, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, and Malaysia are federal states.

How does a federal state function?

A federal state is formed by the union of several states that delegate part of their sovereignty to a federal government, but each state retains its own government.

What powers does the federal government have in the United States?

The federal government in the U.S. manages national defense, foreign policy, and other matters that concern the entire country.

What powers do individual states have in the United States?

Individual states have their own constitutions and governments, managing education, transportation, police, and other local matters.

How does a federal crime differ from a state crime in the U.S.?

A federal crime, such as kidnapping, terrorism, or espionage, concerns the entire Union and is investigated by the FBI.

What is a confederation?

A confederation is a union of independent states that delegate certain powers by treaty but do not create a federal level of government.

Does a confederation have a central government?

No, a confederation does not have a strong central government; instead, each state retains significant independence.

Is Switzerland an example of a confederation?

Despite its official name as the "Swiss Confederation," Switzerland is actually a federation, formed of 26 cantons.

What is the official name of Switzerland?

The official name of Switzerland is the "Confédération helvétique" (Swiss Confederation), but it is a federation in practice.

How does a federal system differ from a unitary state?

In a federal system, states retain some autonomy, while in a unitary state, all authority is centralized in the national government.

How does the U.S. system of government reflect federalism?

The U.S. system reflects federalism by having separate state governments and a central federal government that share power.

What role does the federal government play in a federation?

The federal government handles national issues like defense and foreign policy, while local governments manage regional matters.

Why is the term "federation" more accurate for Switzerland than "confederation"?

Switzerland operates as a federation because the cantons have limited autonomy within a central government, unlike a confederation, which maintains more independence for each state.

What powers do cantons have in Switzerland?

Cantons in Switzerland have significant autonomy in areas like education, healthcare, and policing, though they are part of a federal system.

What is the main difference between a federation and a confederation?

In a federation, power is shared between a central government and states, while in a confederation, states retain most of their sovereignty.

Can a country with a federal system have separate constitutions for its states?

Yes, in a federal system, individual states often have their own constitutions, as in the United States.

What is the role of the FBI in the United States?

The FBI investigates federal crimes that affect the entire country, such as terrorism or espionage.

How do confederations and federations compare in terms of power distribution?

In a confederation, states retain more power, while in a federation, power is divided between the central government and states.