Forms of Government in North America: A Country-by-Continent Overview

North America comprises 23 sovereign states and numerous territories—each with its own political system. There is no single "North American government." Here are the predominant models:

1. Federal Presidential Republics

United States, Mexico – Directly elected president serves as head of state and government; separation of powers; federal structure.

2. Federal Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchies

Canada – King/Queen (represented by Governor General) is ceremonial head of state; Prime Minister (elected by Parliament) runs government; federal provinces.

3. Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchies

Jamaica, Bahamas, Belize, Antigua & Barbuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Grenada – Similar to Canada but unitary (not federal); share the British monarch as head of state.

4. Parliamentary Republics

Dominica, Trinidad & Tobago – Ceremonial president; executive power rests with Prime Minister and Cabinet responsible to legislature.

5. Other Systems

• Cuba: One-party socialist republic.
• Haiti: Semi-presidential republic (often unstable).
• Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama: Presidential republics (unitary).
• Greenland, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, USVI, etc.: Overseas territories with devolved governments under Denmark, UK, or US.

Common Threads

Most are electoral democracies (Cuba excepted). All have written constitutions, independent judiciaries (varying degrees), and multi-party systems (except Cuba). Regional bodies (OAS, CARICOM, USMCA) provide coordination.

North America's governance is a mosaic—not a monolith.