Why Americans Have Governments Essential Question: What are the different forms of government?

Nondemocractic Governments 1. Monarch (Monarchies): a person, such as a king or queen, who reigns over a kingdom or empire. Monarchy is a from autocracy; government in which one person holds all power 2. Dictator (Dictatorships): a person who rules with complete and absolute power. Often take power by force Dictatorships are authoritarian, which means the rulers only answer to themselves, not citizens Some dictatorships are totalitarian, which means the rules try to control every aspect of citizens’ lives including religious, cultural, political, and personal activities Oligarchy: dictatorship governments in which all power is concentrated in a small group 3. Theocracy: a government control by one or more religious leaders who claim to rule on behalf of the God or gods worshipped in their country. The leaders rule by “divine” guidance not citizens wishes

Democratic Governments Democracy: government in which the people of the country either rule directly or elect officials to rule on their behalf Two Forms of Democracy 1. Direct Democracy: all citizens meet together to make laws and decide what actions to take More ideal for small communities 2. Representative Democracy or Republic: government which the citizens elect representatives to carry on the work of government for them More ideal for large communities Representative Democracy is often refer to as the 3 rd type of government, a republic government.

Purposes of Government 1. Helping People Cooperate Unite, solve problems, create cooperation in communities 2. Providing Services Provide expensive and important services: schools, libraries, highways, police and fire departments, military, healthcare 3. Providing Laws Sets rules for all to abide by Governments outline their ruling plan in a constitution. Constitution: a written plan of government. Sets forth the purposes of the government and how it is to be organized