1. The Basics of Government and Economic Systems
World Studies

2. What is government?
A government is a body that has the power to make and the authority to enforce rules and laws.
Most people believe that govt. should serve the people, but to what extent is up for debate.

3. Authoritarian Systems
In Authoritarian systems, one person/family has complete control over the government.
Freedom is very limited in authoritarian systems since one person has all the power.

4. Monarchies Dictatorships
led by kings or emperors…power is passed down through family (hereditary).
Dictatorships
led by one powerful ruler, such as Adolf Hitler of Germany or Kim Jong Il of North Korea.

5. Constitutional Monarchy Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles

6. Absolute Monarchy King Abdul Aziz Abd-al Rahman bin Turki bin Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Saud

7. Democratic Systems
In Democratic systems, citizens have the right to choose their leaders (or to become leaders themselves.)

8. Direct Democracy
citizens vote directly on issues.
Open to anyone willing to participate.
Representative Democracy
citizens elect others to govern for them (this is what we have in the USA)
in a representative democracy, every vote has equal weight, no restrictions can apply to anyone wanting to become a representative, and the freedom of its citizens is secured by rights and liberties which are generally protected by a constitution.

9. Other Types of Government
Theocracy- a government led by a religious leader.
Founded on the basis of religious law
Example: Iran
Shaira: Islamic Law

10. Levels of Government
National govt. (USA) deals with issues related to the entire country (defense, printing of $, taxes)
Regional govt. (Illinois) deals with state issues (schools, state laws, state taxes)
Local govt. (Chicago) deals with local issues (streets, sanitation, police)

11. Economic Systems Traditional Economy Market Economy
People produce most of what they need to survive
Hunting and gathering are the basis for this economy
Market Economy
Individuals buy and sell goods and services
Businesses and industries produce and sell goods for money

12. Command Economy Mixed Economy
The government controls what goods are produced, and how they are produced and what they cost.
Mixed Economy
Most nations have a mixed economy
Individuals make some decisions and the government makes others.
The United States has a mixed economy.

13. Homework Left Hand Column Summary
You must have at least 3 questions and 3 main ideas
D – What did you do?
L – What did you learn?
I – What did you find interesting?
Q – Write a question