1. Purpose Theories Categories of Government Types of Government
Learning Targets:
I can describe the purpose of government
I can compare and contrast the different theories of government
I can compare and contrast the different types of government

2. What is a nation? Population Land with boundaries Sovereignty:
A nation has supreme and absolute power within its own territory
Government
The institution through which a society makes and enforces public policies

3. 4 Purposes of Government
Keep societies ordered
Peace at home
Provide public service
Transportation/ education
Protection
Police
Military

4. 4 Purposes of Government
3. Promote standards of behavior
Rules of conduct (Laws)
4. Make economic decisions
Type of system/ money/ trade/ natural resources

5. Theories of Government
Evolutionary Theory
The state developed out of the early primitive family in which one person was the head
Original family unit becomes a network of families (clan)
Eventually clans come together to make a tribe
The tribes then settle to make a state

6. Theories of Government
Divine Right Theory
The state was created by God who gave those of royal birth the “divine right” to rule.

7. Theories of Government
Force & Conquest Theory
One group claims control over an area and forced all people within its borders to submit to their rule.

8. Theories of Government
Social Contract Theory
People lived in a “state of nature”
No government or order
People gave up freedom in exchange for protection and security
As long as the state protects the peoples “natural rights” (life, liberty, & property), the people will give up freedoms and abide by the laws

9. Categories of Government How Power is Divided
Unitary (Centralized)
All powers belong to a central authority
Local power is created for convenience and stems from central authority
(United Kingdom/ U.S. State governments)
Federal
Power is divided between national and state governments
U.S.

10. Types of Government: Autocracy
Power and authority to rule are in the hands of a single ruler
Totalitarian Dictatorship
Leader exercises absolute control aspects of social and economic life
People lack the power to limit their rule.
Examples: Germany under Hitler/ Soviet Union under Stalin

11. Types of Government: Autocracy
Monarchy
King, Queen, Emperor, or Tsar exercises supreme power of government
Complete and unlimited power (divine right)
Power usually inherited
Example: Saudi Arabia/ Kuwait/ Old England

12. Types of Government: Oligarchy
Small group holds power
Power comes from wealth, military power, social power or a combination of these
Communist Totalitarianism
Total control over all aspects of life
Reinforced by propaganda
Sometimes having seeming democratic institutions such as assemblies and elections
All opposition is suppressed
Example: China/ Cuba

13. Types of Government: Democracy
Direct Democracy
All citizens have a vote on all topics
(does not exist in today’s world)
Indirect Democracy (Democratic Republic)
People elect representatives giving them power to govern
Responsible to carry out the peoples will
Regularly scheduled elections make representatives responsible to the people

14. Environment That Promotes Democracy
Freedom of Economic Decisions
Freedom to own property and private control of money leads to free political decisions
Large Middle Class
Economic comfort leads to more confident to make political decisions
Those in poverty are less likely to vote or make political decisions
Educated Public