LA - Types of Government Systems (Lesson)

Types of Government Systems

Introduction 

Democratic types of governments can be found throughout most of the countries in Latin America. Similar to Europe, most Latin American governments are federal republics, meaning that the country has several states that make up the whole of the country. These states are considered independent federal districts that make their own rules and policies. However, the states must follow the guidelines of the national government. Many federal republics have an elected president as the leader of the country. In a constitutional republic, government officials are elected and represent the people according to the guidelines of the national constitution.

 

Types of Government Systems

Learn more by reviewing the activities below.

 

 

A Closer Look: Brazil, Mexico, and Cuba

Like the United States, both Brazil and Mexico have federal republics. Cuba is the only exception. Cuba is the only country in the western hemisphere that remains Communist.

• Brazil - Brazil's government is very similar to that of the United States. In 1822, Brazil gained its independence from Portugal. Brazil was ruled by emperors during most of the 1800s. Today, Brazil is a democratic federal republic where power is divided between the state and national government. Brazil's leaders are elected by the people.
• Mexico - Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821. Mexico's current government is a federal republic. Mexico has 31 states and federal districts. Power is divided between state and national governments. Mexico has three branches of government including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
• Cuba - Cuba gained its independence from Spain in 1899. A treaty was established that stated Cuba was now an independent republic under the protection of the United States. During this time Cuba saw significant economic development because of the United States’ involvement in trade, foreign affairs and international investments in Cuban property. In 1934 the treaty was abandoned and Cuba's government eventually became very weak and corrupt without the help of the United States. After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Cuba was taken over by Fidel Castro's Communist party. Cuba has been considered a socialist state led by the Communist party ever since the late 1950s. During that time Cuba allied itself with the Communist Soviet Union.

 

Review

Learn more about some of the governments you have been exploring. Click on Facts and Rights of Citizens on each screen in the activity below to find out more.

 

 

 

How are the governments in Latin American nations similar to one another? How are they different? (Remember you might see more differences then similarities!) How do they compare to other governments you've studied?

 

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