1. Forms of Government
Chapter 1
Section 2

2. Objectives Classify governments according to 3 sets of characteristics
Define systems of government based on who can participate
Identify different ways that power can be distributed, geographically, within a state
Describe government by the distribution of power between the executive branch and legislative branch

3. Objective
Classify governments according to 3 sets of characteristics

4. Classifying Governments
Classified 3 Ways:
Who can participate in governing
Geographic distribution of power within the state
Relationship between legislative and executive branches

5. Objective
Define systems of government based on who can participate

6. Who Can Participate Democracy Dictatorship
Authority rests with the people
Direct
Public policy by people directly
Only work in small communities
Indirect
Voters choose representatives to govern on their behalf
Dictatorship
Rulers not held responsible to the will of the people
Oldest and most common form historically
Often totalitarian
Hold TOTAL and complete control over all aspects of life
Autocracy – single person holds unlimited power
Oligarchy – Power to rule by a small group (usually elite)
Often look like a democracy

7. Objective
Identify different ways that power can be distributed, geographically, within a state

8. Geographic Distribution of Power
Unitary Government
All power held by a central government
Local government created to help govern
DO NOT CONFUSE WITH DICTATORSHIP – POWER LIMITED
Federal Government
Powers divided between Central and Local government
Superior Force sets division – A CONSTITUTION
Cannot change without consent of both
Confederate Government
Alliance of independent states
Central only has power that states have given it

9. Objective
Describe government by the distribution of power between the executive branch and legislative branch

10. Legislative and Executive Branches
Presidential Government
Executive (president) and Legislative branches are separate and EQUAL to one another
President and Legislature both chosen by the people
Term limits in place
Fixed Powers – Separation of Powers – Checks and Balances
Parliamentary Government
Executive Branch
Prime Minister – Cabinet
Chosen by Legislature – Members of the Legislature
Remain in office as long as supported by majority in legislature
Legislative Branch
Elected by Majority vote of public
By far most common form – WHY???
Government deadlock doesn’t exist