Federal and Unitary Systems

William Gray

6 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers federal and unitary government systems, including their benefits. It examines examples of federal systems (Mexico, Russia, Nigeria) and unitary systems (China, Iran, UK), highlighting how power is distributed in each. The guide also includes practice multiple-choice and free-response questions focused on comparing and contrasting these systems and their real-world applications. Key terms emphasized include division of power, devolution, and autonomy.

#AP Comparative Government: Federal vs. Unitary Systems - Your Ultimate Study Guide 🚀

Hey there, future AP Gov rockstar! Let's break down federal and unitary systems, making sure you're totally prepped for test day. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the exam. Let's get started!

#Unit 1: Federal and Unitary Systems

This unit is all about understanding how power is distributed. It's crucial for the exam, so let's dive in! 🤿

#Federal Systems

Key Concept

Federal System: Think of it as a power-sharing agreement between two levels of government. It's not just about the U.S.; many countries use this model. The key is the division of power. 🔑

Examples: Mexico 🇲🇽, Russia 🇷🇺, Nigeria 🇳🇬

#Benefits of Federalism

Shared Governance: Balances regional interests and promotes harmony. 🤝
Flexibility: Allows different regions to address unique issues. 📃
Innovation: Encourages experimentation with various policies. 💡
Decentralization: Ensures local needs are met. 🏘️
Protection of Minority Rights: Gives minority groups more influence at the local level. 📣

#Federal Examples: Mexico, Russia, and Nigeria

Memory Aid

MRN (Mexico, Russia, Nigeria) - Remember these three countries when you think of federal systems. They all have a central government and regional governments, but with varying degrees of autonomy.

Mexico 🇲🇽:
- Strong central government + 32 state governments.
- Constitution guarantees state powers (e.g., local taxes).
- Central government controls oil.
- Policy diversity: Abortion laws vary by state.
Nigeria 🇳🇬:
- Strong central government + 36 state governments.
- Constitution guarantees state powers.
- Policy diversity: Sharia law in Northern states.
- Strong central government due to history of military rule.
Russia 🇷🇺:
- Complex federalism; constitutionally guaranteed power division, but...
- Originally, regions (republics) had significant autonomy.
- Putin has centralized power:
  - Military Force: Chechnya example.
  - Legal Changes: Removal of non-compliant governors.
  - Super-Districts: Presidential appointees oversee regions.

Common Mistake

Don't assume all federal systems are the same! Russia's federalism is much more centralized than Mexico's or Nigeria's. Focus on the degree of autonomy.

#Unitary Systems

Key Concept

Unitary System: One central government holds supreme power. Think of it as a single, unified authority. 👑

Examples: China 🇨🇳, Iran 🇮🇷, the UK 🇬🇧

Common Mistake

Unitary doesn't automatically mean authoritarian! The UK is a democracy with a unitary system, while Russia is authoritarian with a federal system. It's about structure, not regime type.

#Benefits of Unitary Systems

Efficiency: Faster decision-making. 💨
Simplicity: Easier for citizens to understand. 👀
Unity: Promotes a sense of national identity. 🫡
Emergency Response: More efficient in times of crisis. 🔁
Uniformity: Consistent laws and policies nationwide. 🌍

#Unitary Examples: China, Iran, and the UK

Memory Aid

CIU (China, Iran, UK) - Think of these three countries when you think of unitary systems. They all have a central government that holds the most power, but they operate very differently.

China 🇨🇳:
- Central government (Communist Party) holds power.
- Local governments have some autonomy due to size and economic reforms.
- Autonomy = ability to ignore central policy, not make laws.
Iran 🇮🇷:
- Central government (Supreme Leader) holds power.
- Very little devolution of power.
UK 🇬🇧:
- No written constitution, central government is supreme.
- Devolution: Power granted to regional governments through national policy (e.g., education).

#Federal and Unitary Systems Across the World

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Quick Fact

Remember, each system has its own benefits, and countries choose them based on their unique goals and circumstances. For example, China 🇨🇳 emphasizes unity, while Mexico 🇲🇽 values regional diversity.

#Final Exam Focus

High-Priority Topics: Federal vs. Unitary systems, benefits of each, country examples (Mexico, Russia, Nigeria, China, Iran, UK).
Common Question Types:
- MCQs: Identifying system types, understanding power distribution, analyzing case studies.
- FRQs: Comparing and contrasting systems, evaluating the impact of power distribution, applying concepts to specific countries.

#Last-Minute Tips

Time Management: Quickly identify the system type in MCQs, focus on key differences in FRQs.
Common Pitfalls: Don't confuse system type with regime type, remember specific examples for each country.
Strategies: Use mnemonics, think about real-world examples, practice with past questions.

#

Practice Question

Practice Questions

#Multiple Choice Questions

Which of the following is the BEST example of a federal system? (A) China (B) Iran (C) The United Kingdom (D) Mexico
In a unitary system of government, which of the following is MOST likely to occur? (A) Regional governments have significant autonomy. (B) Power is divided between central and regional governments. (C) The central government holds supreme power. (D) Local governments can create their own laws.
Which of the following is a key difference between federal and unitary systems? (A) The presence of a constitution. (B) The number of political parties. (C) The division of power between levels of government. (D) The method of electing the head of state.

#Free Response Question

Prompt: Compare and contrast the distribution of power in a federal system using Mexico and Russia as examples. In your response, be sure to:

Define a federal system.
Describe the distribution of power in Mexico.
Describe the distribution of power in Russia.
Explain one similarity and one difference in the distribution of power between Mexico and Russia.

Scoring Breakdown:

1 point: For a correct definition of a federal system (a system where power is divided between a central government and regional governments).
1 point: For describing the distribution of power in Mexico (strong central government with 32 state governments, some state powers guaranteed by the constitution).
1 point: For describing the distribution of power in Russia (constitutionally federal, but with a strong central government that has limited regional autonomy).
1 point: For explaining a similarity (both have a formal division of power between central and regional governments).
1 point: For explaining a difference (Mexico has more regional autonomy, while Russia has a much more centralized system).

You've got this! Go ace that exam! 💪