1. Culture
The set of beliefs, values, and practices that a group of people has in common
Government
Economics
Social Systems
The Arts
Technology
Religion
Natural Resources
Geography

2. Vocabulary Ethnic group: a group of people who share cultural traits
Cultural Trait: a particular aspect of culture
Cultural Diversity: having traits from various cultures
Globalization: the process by which countries are more linked to each other through culture and trade
Interdependence: the reliance of one country on another for resources, goods, and/or services

3. Political Systems
Monarchy
One of the oldest types of government
Ruled directly by a king or queen, the head of a royal family
In some, power is in the hands of just one person.
In others, many democratic practices are used.
Dictatorship
A single, powerful ruler has total control.
Leader is called a dictator.
Often rules by force
People have few rights and no say in their own government.
Communism
A political system in which the government owns all property and dominates all aspects of life in a country
Leaders are chosen by the Communist Party or by Communist leaders.
People have restricted rights and very little freedom.
Political Science: The study of government and how people relate to government.
Democracy
Republic
Monarchy
Dictatorship
Fascism
Theocracy

4. Economy
A system that includes all of the activities that people and businesses do to earn a living.
Making, building, selling, buying and trading just about anything!

5. Economic Systems
Traditional Economy
System in which people grow their own food and make their own goods
Trade may take place through barter, or the exchange of goods without the use of money.
Often found in rural and remote communities
Market Economy
System based on private ownership, free trade, and competition
Individuals and businesses are free to buy and sell what they wish.
Prices determined by the supply and demand for goods
Sometimes called capitalism
Command Economy
System in which the central government makes all economic decisions
Government decides what goods to produce, how much to produce, and what prices will be.
Communist governments own and control most businesses in their countries.
Economics: The study of business, money, occupations, and issues dealing with money and finance.
Traditional
Market
Command

6. Social Systems
Social Hierarchy: the formal or informal distribution of power and class system of a society
Caste
Race
Gender

7. The Arts
Most cultures develop unique forms of music and art

8. Technology The invention, development, and use of ideas and tools Fire
The world is round?
The computer
(ie PC, apple products)

9. Religious Systems
Religion: a set of beliefs and practices centered on “supernatural” forces and the ultimate truth about reality, human nature, and
the origins
of the
universe
Monotheism
Polytheism
Animism

10. Natural Resources
Naturally (not man-made) occurring substances that are considered valuable
Gold
Oil

11. Geography
The physical environment in which a culture exists directly influences that culture’s development and identity
Land
Water
Climate