Basic Government Structures

Summary Description of Government Forms

I.    Forms of State - Degrees of Governmental Centralization

    A.    Unitary Systems

    B.    Confederations

    C.     Federal Systems

           1.    National Powers

            a.     Defense

            b.     Foreign Relations

            c.     Promotion of General Welfare

        2.     Regional Powers

            a.     Basic Services

            b.     Public Safety, Health & Morals

II.    Structures and Rules for Participation

    A.    The Electoral System

        1.    Single Member District Elections

        2.    At large Districts

        3.    Proportional Representation

        4.    Issue Elections

            a.     Initiatives

            b.     Referenda

        5.    Political Parties

    B.    Restriction on Voting

        1.    Citizenship

        2.    Residence

        3.    Age

        4.    Sex

        5.    Race

        6.    Property ownership

        7.    Party membership