Economics/Governments of Latin America and Canada Study Guide Key

  1. Describe how a president is selected in a presidential system of government. Elected by the citizens
  2. Describe an example of how Canada’s government is involved in the economy. People have access to a publicly funded healthcare system.
  3. The government of Brazil has a national government and 26 state governments, each with some reserved powers and shared powers. What type of government would Brazil be classified as? Federal
  4. Explain the purpose of NAFTA. To increase trade by doing away with tariffs.
  5. Explain the reason that Brazil exports so many agricultural products. They have many natural resources.
  6. Describe how the agreement of NAFTA affected Canada. It eliminated trade barriers with the US and Mexico.
  7. Which of the countries we studied have a bicameral legislature? Mexico, Brazil, Canada
  8. How might investing in machinery and technology help a country’s economy? Most likely lead to an increase in the country’s gross domestic product.
  9. Give an example of a company investing in human capital. Education, healthcare
  10. Describe Mexico’s form of government. Federal republic
  11. Cuba has a type of government in which the ruler has absolute power and is not restricted by a constitution, laws, or the citizens. Describe the type of government. Dictatorship
  12. In Cuba, many of its industries are controlled by the government, which means that the government decides what and how much to produce. The government also sets prices for many goods, and rations them to citizens. Describe the type of economic system that exists in Cuba. Command economy
  13. Explain why Brazil is able to export so many agricultural products. Their natural resources include many agricultural products.
  14. Describe the voting laws in Brazil. People between the ages of 16 and 18 are allowed to vote. People over the age of 70 are also allowed to vote. People between the ages of 19 and 70 are required to vote.
  15. In many countries, the executive branch consists of a head of state and a head of government. For Canada, the English queen or king is the head of state. Who is the head of government? Prime Minister
  16. Explain the purpose of NAFTA? To form a trade agreement between the US, Canada, and Mexico.
  17. Describe the Canadian law regarding political elections. Every citizen who is at least 18 is allowed to vote.
  18. Describe the type of government that would most likely abolish all opposing political parties, the direct election of leaders, and free speech. Autocratic
  19. Describe Brazil’s economy. Mixed
  20. “Canadians should realize when they are well off under the Monarchy. For the vast majority of Canadians, being a Monarchy is probably the only form of government acceptable to them. I have always been for parliamentary democracy and I think the institution of Monarchy with the Queen heading it all has served Canada well.” Pierre Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada in 1973 Explain Trudeau’s opinion about the monarchy in Canada. It works well with parliamentary democracy.
  21. Describe an Oligarchic government. A small group of wealthy, powerful people makes all political decisions.
  22. Describe Mexico’s government. Federal Republic
  23. Describe the voting laws in Cuba. Citizens 16 or older can vote.
  24. Describe Cuba’s government. Unitary
  25. Explain Cuba’s government in terms of it being an autocratic nation ruled by a communist party. It has a one party system.
  26. Describe the governments of Brazil and Cuba and explain 3 ways they are different.
  27. Explain the functions of NAFTA. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of NAFTA.
  28. Select a country, Canada, Cuba, or Brazil and illustrate where it is on the economic continuum and explain why it is in that position.