Political Systems and Government Class

Questions and Answers

What is one key characteristic used to classify different forms of government?

Number of participants in decision-making (correct)

Geographical size of the state

Economic system in place

Duration of government tenure

Which of the following describes a government where power is held by a single individual?

Theocracy

Democracy

Oligarchy

Monarchy (correct)

In a federal system of government, how is power primarily distributed?

Equally between the executive and legislative branches

Shared between different levels of government (correct)

Distributed solely among local governments

Centralized at the national level only

Which government type allows multiple individuals or groups to make decisions and hold power?

<p>Representative democracy</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can power be distributed within a government structure where the executive branch holds significant influence over the legislative branch?

<p>Presidential system</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification of Governments

Governments can be classified by three main characteristics: structure, function, and authority.
Structure looks at how power is organized, including federal, unitary, or confederate systems.
Function examines the roles of government institutions, such as legislation, execution, and adjudication.
Authority refers to the legitimacy of government, which can be traditional, charismatic, or rational-legal.

Systems of Government

Democratic systems allow citizens to participate in decision-making processes, either directly or through elected representatives.
Authoritarian systems restrict participation, often concentrating power in a single leader or party.
Totalitarian regimes impose strict government control over nearly all aspects of public and private life.
Oligarchies feature rule by a small group of elites, often determined by wealth, family ties, or military control.

Geographical Distribution of Power

Power can be distributed in several ways geographically within a state: centralization or decentralization.
Federal systems share power between a central authority and regional governments, promoting autonomy for local regions.
Unitary systems centralize power in the national government, with limited local autonomy.
Confederations consist of independent states that delegate some powers to a central authority while maintaining overall sovereignty.

Distribution of Power Between Branches

Presidential systems separate powers between the executive and legislative branches, with each maintaining distinct functions and responsibilities.
Parliamentary systems integrate the executive and legislative branches, where the executive is derived from the legislature and is accountable to it.
Hybrid systems combine elements of both, allowing for varying degrees of separation or integration between branches.
The balance of power affects governance efficiency, accountability, and the ability to implement policies.

Description

This quiz explores various characteristics of governments, focusing on classification based on participation, power distribution, and the relationship between the executive and legislative branches. Test your understanding of political structures and how they operate within a state.