Unit 4 Chapter 7

Key Terms to Know

• Unitary System – Centralized governance with minimal regional autonomy.

• Federal System – Shared power between central and regional governments.

• Confederal System – A decentralized system where regional governments hold significant power.

• Authoritarianism – A system of governance where power is concentrated in one or a small group of leaders.

• Democracy – A system where citizens have the power to elect leaders and influence decisions.

• Theocracy – Religious leadership governs based on religious laws.

• Monarchy – A political system ruled by a king, queen, or emperor.

1. Definition of Governance

Governance refers to the system of rules, practices, and institutions through which authority is exercised. Different states adopt various forms of governance based on how power is distributed, how decisions are made, and who holds authority.

2. Types of Governance Systems

A. Unitary System

• Definition: A centralized form of governance where most of the political power is held by the central government.

• Key Features:

  • Centralized control over local regions or provinces.

  • Limited autonomy for regional authorities.

  • Uniform policies and laws across the entire state.

• Examples:

  • France: The central government holds significant control over the regions and provinces.

  • China: Provincial governments have limited powers, and decisions are largely made by the central government in Beijing.

B. Federal System

• Definition: A system of governance in which political power is shared between a central government and regional governments (e.g., states, provinces).

• Key Features:

  • Power is divided between national and regional governments.

  • Regional governments have authority over certain areas (e.g., education, local law enforcement).

  • Constitution or legal framework usually governs the distribution of powers.

• Examples:

  • United States: Powers are divided between the federal government and state governments (e.g., education, healthcare, taxation).

  • Germany: The country is divided into federal states (Länder), each with its own constitution and government.

C. Confederal System

• Definition: A decentralized form of governance in which the central government has limited powers, and most authority resides in regional governments or states.

• Key Features:

  • Regional governments hold significant power and may choose to delegate specific responsibilities to the central government.

  • The central government’s role is usually limited to defense, foreign relations, and coordination between states.

• Examples:

  • European Union (EU): Although not a full confederation, it shares some characteristics with a confederal system where countries maintain sovereignty but cooperate on certain issues.

  • Articles of Confederation (U.S. - pre-1787): The early governance structure of the U.S. before the creation of the Constitution, which was very weak and decentralized.

3. Other Forms of Governance

A. Authoritarian Regimes

• Definition: A political system where one leader or a small group holds significant power, often without constitutional limits or public input.

• Key Features:

  • Limited political freedoms and restrictions on opposition.

  • Control over many aspects of public and private life.

  • Power is centralized in the hands of one leader or small group.

• Examples:

  • North Korea: A dictatorship led by a single family, with a high degree of control over the people’s lives.

  • Saudi Arabia: An absolute monarchy where power rests primarily with the royal family.

B. Democracy

• Definition: A system of governance in which political power is derived from the people, who elect leaders and representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

• Key Features:

  • Free and fair elections where leaders are chosen by the people.

  • Pluralism and the right of individuals and groups to express their opinions.

  • Rule of law where the legal system is impartial and applies equally to all citizens.

• Types:

  1. Direct Democracy: Citizens vote on all major decisions and laws.

     • Example: Ancient Athens (historically).

  2. Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

     • Example: United States, India, United Kingdom.

C. Theocracy

• Definition: A form of governance where religious leaders hold political power and laws are based on religious principles.

• Key Features:

  • Religious leaders or institutions have significant influence over political decisions.

  • Laws and policies are often based on religious doctrines.

  • Religious authority governs both public and private life.

• Examples:

  • Iran: A theocratic system where the Supreme Leader, a religious figure, holds significant political power.

  • Vatican City: A city-state governed by the Pope, the religious leader of the Catholic Church.

D. Monarchy

• Definition: A form of governance where a single individual (usually a king, queen, or emperor) holds political power.

• Key Features:

  • Hereditary leadership, passed down through a royal family.

  • Power may be absolute (absolute monarchy) or ceremonial (constitutional monarchy).

• Types:

  1. Absolute Monarchy: The monarch has almost complete power and authority.

     • Example: Saudi Arabia, where the king holds significant power.

  2. Constitutional Monarchy: The monarch’s powers are limited by a constitution or laws, and political power is largely vested in elected officials.

     • Example: United Kingdom, where the monarch is a ceremonial figurehead, and the government is run by elected officials.

4. Comparison of Governance Forms