Worked example
A constitution assigns protected powers to both national and regional governments. Which simplified model fits?
Answer & why
Answer: federal model
Constitutionally divided authority is the defining feature of this federal model.
Grade 9 · Social studies
Compare federal, unitary and confederal models
Classify a simplified political system by how its stated rules distribute governing authority.
6 authored questions + worked example
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All questions
All 6 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
Independent member governments delegate a few shared tasks to a common council while retaining primary authority. Which model fits?
- unitary model
- not enough authority information
- confederal model
- federal model
A hint
In a federal model, a constitution divides authority between national and regional governments.
Answer & why
Answer: confederal model
The shared body receives limited delegated powers from members.
Question 2
A system has a blue flag and a large capital city, but no authority rules are supplied. Which conclusion follows?
- confederal model
- not enough authority information
- federal model
- unitary model
A hint
In a federal model, a constitution divides authority between national and regional governments.
Answer & why
Answer: not enough authority information
Symbols and city size do not determine the distribution of government powers.
Question 3
The constitution guarantees separate spheres of authority to provinces and the national government. Which model fits?
- federal model
- confederal model
- unitary model
- not enough authority information
A hint
In a federal model, a constitution divides authority between national and regional governments.
Answer & why
Answer: federal model
Both levels have constitutionally protected authority.
Question 4
All regional governing powers legally derive from one central authority in the stated model. Which type fits?
- unitary model
- not enough authority information
- federal model
- confederal model
A hint
In a federal model, a constitution divides authority between national and regional governments.
Answer & why
Answer: unitary model
The central authority is the ultimate source of regional powers.
Question 5
A constitution assigns protected powers to both national and regional governments. Which simplified model fits?
- federal model
- unitary model
- not enough authority information
- confederal model
A hint
In a federal model, a constitution divides authority between national and regional governments.
Answer & why
Answer: federal model
Constitutionally divided authority is the defining feature of this federal model.
Question 6
Regional offices exercise only powers the central government may grant or withdraw. Which simplified model fits?
- unitary model
- not enough authority information
- federal model
- confederal model
A hint
In a federal model, a constitution divides authority between national and regional governments.
Answer & why
Answer: unitary model
Ultimate authority is assigned to the central government in this description.