Federalism and Unitary Systems: AP Human Geography Quiz

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🌍 Federalism: A system of government where power is divided between a central government and regional or state governments. Think of it like a layer cake – each layer (federal, state, local) has its own responsibilities and powers.
• ⚖️ Key Features of Federalism:
  • 📝 A written constitution that divides power.
  • 🤝 Independent levels of government.
  • 🏛️ A system of checks and balances.
• 🏛️ Unitary System: A system of government where all power is held by a central government. Regional or local governments exist only to administer central government policies. Imagine a single-layer cake where all the ingredients are mixed together – the central government controls everything.
• 🔑 Key Features of a Unitary System:
  • 👑 Central government holds supreme authority.
  • 🏘️ Local governments are subordinate to the central government.
  • 📜 Constitution may be altered by the central government.
• 🗺️ Examples:
  • 🇺🇸 Federal Systems: United States, Canada, Germany
  • 🇬🇧 Unitary Systems: United Kingdom, France, Japan
• 💡 Advantages of Federalism: Promotes regional diversity, allows for local responsiveness, reduces the risk of tyranny.
• ⚠️ Disadvantages of Federalism: Can lead to inconsistencies in laws and policies across different regions, may complicate national policy implementation.
• 💡 Advantages of Unitary Systems: Promotes national unity, allows for efficient policy implementation, reduces duplication of services.
• ⚠️ Disadvantages of Unitary Systems: May not adequately address regional needs and concerns, can lead to centralized power.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is a key characteristic of a federal system of government?
   1. A. Power is concentrated in a single, central government.
   2. B. Power is divided between a central government and regional governments.
   3. C. Regional governments are abolished.
   4. D. The military controls all aspects of governance.
2. Which of the following countries is an example of a unitary system?
   1. A. United States
   2. B. Canada
   3. C. France
   4. D. Germany
3. In a unitary system, local governments derive their power from:
   1. A. The regional population
   2. B. The central government
   3. C. Independent local councils
   4. D. International treaties
4. Which system is more likely to lead to diverse laws across a nation?
   1. A. A unitary system
   2. B. A federal system
   3. C. A confederal system
   4. D. An authoritarian system
5. Which of the following is an advantage of a unitary system?
   1. A. Greater regional autonomy
   2. B. Increased local responsiveness
   3. C. Efficient policy implementation
   4. D. Reduced risk of tyranny
6. A written constitution dividing power is a hallmark of:
   1. A. Unitary systems
   2. B. Federal systems
   3. C. Dictatorships
   4. D. Monarchies
7. Which system tends to be more efficient in responding to national emergencies?
   1. A. Federal system
   2. B. Unitary system
   3. C. Confederal system
   4. D. They are equally efficient