Unitary Systems of Government Comparison

The video lecture discusses unitary systems of government, where central authority holds all power, and local governments have little to none. It compares the UK and Cuba as examples, highlighting their differences. The UK operates as a unitary parliamentary democracy, while Cuba is a unitary communist dictatorship. The lecture also outlines advantages and disadvantages of unitary systems, such as uniform policies and potential disconnect with local needs. Students are assigned homework to find examples of unitary systems, focusing on absolute monarchy and autocracy.

What is a key characteristic of a unitary system of government?

• All powers are held by the central authority.

• Power is shared equally between central and local governments.

• Local governments have more power than the central authority.

• Power is divided between central and state governments.

In a unitary system, when is power typically delegated to regional authorities?

• When there is a conflict between national and local levels.

• When the central authority needs to delegate to alleviate some kind of burden.

• When regional authorities request it.

• When local governments have more resources.

Which of the following is true about the United Kingdom's unitary system?

• Citizens do not vote for parliament members.

• It is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland.

• It operates under a unitary parliamentary democracy.

• The Prime Minister is selected by the monarch.

How is Cuba's unitary system different from the United Kingdom's?

• Cuba operates under a unitary parliamentary democracy.

• Cuba has a unitary communist dictatorship.

• Cuba's local governments have significant power.

• Cuba's citizens vote for their leaders.

What is a common feature of the United Kingdom and Cuba's unitary systems?

• Both have a central authority with all the power.

• Both have a parliamentary democracy.

• Both allow significant local government power.

• Both have a communist dictatorship.

What is a key difference between a communist dictatorship and a parliamentary democracy?

• In a communist dictatorship, the leader is not elected democratically.

• In a parliamentary democracy, the central authority has all the power.

• In a parliamentary democracy, local governments have more power.

• In a communist dictatorship, citizens vote for their leaders.

What is one advantage of a unitary system of government?

• Central authority is always in touch with local needs.

• Local governments have more power.

• It meets the needs of all citizens.

• Uniform policies and laws throughout the country.

Which of the following is a disadvantage of a unitary system?

• Fewer conflicts between national and local levels.

• Greater unity and sense of stability.

• Central authority can be out of touch with local needs.

• Uniform policies and laws throughout the country.

What is the main task for the homework assignment?

• Find two examples of a federal system of government.

• Explain the differences between a unitary and federal system.

• Find two examples of a unitary system of government and explain what makes them unitary.

• Compare the unitary systems of the United Kingdom and Cuba.

Which type of government is NOT to be used as an example in the homework assignment?

• Autocracy

• Absolute monarchy

• United Kingdom

• Cuba