Formation of Governments: Unitary, Federal, and Confederacy Systems

1. The Formation of Governments Key Terms unitary system, federal system, confederacy, constitution, constitutional government, preamble, constitutional law, politics, industrialized nation, developing nation Find Out • What are the similarities and differences between a unitary government and a federal government system? • What are the main purposes of a constitution? Section 2 Introduction-1

2. The Formation of Governments Understanding Concepts Global PerspectivesThe United States Constitution is the oldest written constitution still in use. What does this imply about the stability of government in the world? Section Objective Cite similarities and differences between unitary and federal governments. Section 2 Introduction-2

3. One of the smallest nations in the world also has one of the oldest governments. Switzerland began in 1291 as a confederation of 3 small cantons, or provincial governments, and today includes 23 cantons. Section 2-1

4. I. Government Systems (page 12) A. A unitary system of government gives all key powers to the national or central government. B. A federal system of government divides the powers of government between the national government and state or provincial governments. Section 2-2

5. I. Government Systems (page 12) What are the major advantages of a federal system of government? Security against a concentration of power; participation at more levels of government. Section 2-3

6. II. Constitutions and Government (pages 13–14) A. A constitution is a plan that provides the rules for government. B. Whether written or unwritten, a constitution organizes the structure of government and the way it operates. C. Constitutions set out the goals and purposes of government as well as the ideals shared by the people. D. Constitutions provide the supreme law for states and their governments. Section 2-4

7. II. Constitutions and Government (pages 13–14) How important do you think a written constitution is to a democratic form of government? Answers will vary. Students should note the need for limited government. Section 2-5

8. III. Politics and Government (pages 14–15) A.Politics is the effort to control or influence the policies and actions of government. B. Individuals and groups use politics to seek benefits from government. C. Although special interest groups seek special benefits, politics also provides benefits for all the people. Section 2-6

9. III. Politics and Government (pages 14–15) Why do some U.S. citizens consider “politics” negative? The negative side of political news often receives more attention. Section 2-7

10. IV. Governing in a Complex World (pages 16–17) A. The world today is divided into industrialized nations, developing nations, and newly industrialized nations. B. These groups of nations have many differences, but they are interdependent in many ways. C. Other groups besides nations, including multinational corporations, political movements, terrorist groups and international organizations, are important in today’s world. Section 2-8

11. IV. Governing in a Complex World (pages 16–17) What responsibility does the United States bear for the welfare of other nations? Answers will vary. Students may point out that our welfare is closely linked to that of the rest of the world. Section 2-9

12. Checking for Understanding 1. Main Idea In a Venn diagram like the one below, show the similarities and differences between a constitutional government and a government that merely has a constitution. Constitutional government: Constitution authorizes the government to operate within limits set by the constitution. Government with a constitution: Government operates by its own authority with few limits. Both: A written plan exists for organizing and operating the government. Section 2 Assessment-1

13. Checking for Understanding A. a plan that provides the rules for government B. the effort to control or influence the conduct and policies of government C. law that involves the interpretation and application of the U.S. Constitution and state constitutions D. a loose union of independent states E. a statement in a constitution that sets forth the goals and purposes of government Match the term with the correct definition. ___ confederacy ___ preamble ___ politics ___ constitutional law ___ constitution D E B C A Section 2 Assessment-2

14. Checking for Understanding 3. IdentifyThe Federalist. The Federalist was a series of articles written by James Madison that addressed issues concerning the launching of a new government. Section 2 Assessment-3

15. Checking for Understanding 4. Analyze how events in the Middle East illustrate economic interdependence. The U.S. and other nations rely on oil from the Middle East and have intervened militarily and diplomatically to protect oil supplies and maintain order. Section 2 Assessment-4

16. Critical Thinking 5. Analyzing Information James Madison wanted to prevent “factions,” or special interest groups. Would it be possible to have government without special interest groups? Explain. In a democratic society, government without special interest groups is probably impossible since people want to influence government for their own benefit or that of their communities. In a totalitarian state most political activity is repressed. Section 2 Assessment-5

17. Global Perspectives Choose five foreign nations and find out about each nation’s basic structure of government. When was its constitution adopted? Is the government democratic? Obtain information from a local library or on the Internet. Section 2 Concepts in Action