Forms of Government

How are Governments classified? Who can participate in the governing process. What is the geographic distribution of governmental power within the state. What is the relationship between the legislative and executive government.

Democracy A system of government in which the political authority is vested in the people. A Democratic Republic is based on popular sovereignty, the concept that ultimate political authority is based on the will of the people, rather than with a King or Monarch. Popular Sovereignty: People hold the ultimate power over government.

Democracy Two Types of Democracy Representative-A form of government in which representatives elected by the people make and enforce laws and policies. Direct-A system of government in which political decisions are make directly by the people rather than elected representatives.

Quick Discussion What type of Democracy does the U.S. practice?

Basic Concepts of Democracy

Unitary System Power is at the central level And dictated to the lower levels COUNTRIES TO KNOW: United Kingdom… ”Parliamentary Sovereignty”… Scotland Example STATES CITIZENS

Confederal System…what did we call the Articles Government Confederal System…what did we call the Articles Government???…other than stupid Power is held by independent states. COUNTRIES TO KNOW: Articles of Confederation Government…what were the Weaknesses?? STATES CITIZENS

Federal System COUNTRIES TO KNOW: United States Canada…but it’s Canada, so don’t worry about Power is divided among Federal, State, and local government. STATES CITIZENS

Geographic Distribution of Power Unitary Government – A centralized government where all powers held by the government belong to a single, central agency. This does not imply a dictatorship. Federal Government – The powers of government are divided between a central government and several local governments. Sound familiar? Confederate Government – An alliance of independent states. Very rare today, the EU is close.

5 Basic Concepts of a Democracy Worth of the Individual Equality of All people Majority Rule, Minority Rights Compromise Individual Freedom (Not Anarchy!)

Quick Discussion Do we fulfill the 5 basic concepts of democracy? Why or why not?

Democracy and the free enterprise Our economic system is a free enterprise system A system characterized by the private ownership of capital goods, investments are made by private decisions and success/ failure is determined by competition in the free market. Law of Supply and demand governs much of our economy.

Government’s role in our Economy Our government does participate in our economy though. It serves to: Protect the public and preserve private enterprise Regulations…Good or bad? A economy that exists with a considerable amount of government regulation and promotion is called a mixed economy.

Representative Democracies

Communism A radical faction that broke away from the socialist movement Abolished capitalism Instituted socialism through a dictatorship Government controls ALL enterprises Replaced free markets by central planning Example: Soviet Union

Dictatorships One ruler controls every aspect of life and is not responsible to the will of the people All dictatorships are authoritarian and modern dictatorships have tended to be totalitarian Lesser of two evils is authoritarian Types of Dictatorships: Oligarchy- Power to rule is held by a small group of self-appointed elite Autocracy-Single person holds unlimited power Examples: Soviet Union (Stalin), Nazi Germany (Hitler), Italy (Mussolini)

Totalitarianism A political system that denies popular participation in government and exercise complete power over nearly every part of every day life Example: North Korea

Fascism An ideology that promotes nationalism and unites behind an absolute ruler. Example: Nazi Germany

Monarchy Monarchy- A political system in which power is passed from generation to generation through Blood Absolute Monarchy-King/Queen controls the government completely Constitutional Monarchy- Citizen elect members of parliament

Relationship between Legislative and Executive Branches Presidential Government The two branches are co-equal and independent President is chosen independently of the legislature Parliamentary Government Executive branch is made up of a prime minister or premier, and that official’s cabinet The executive is chosen by the legislatures, and is subject to its direct control

Monarchies Around the World Red: Absolute Monarchy Orange: Semi-Constitutional Monarchy Dark Green: Constitutional Monarchy Light Green: Personal Union with Constitutional Monarchy Pink: Sub-State level monarchy

Who is truly “Free”? Free Partly Free Not Free

The Cow System PURE SOCIALISM: You have two cows. The government takes them and puts them in a barn with everyone else's cows. You have to take care of all of the cows. The government gives you as much milk as you need. FASCISM: You have two cows. The government takes both, hires you to take care of them and sells you the milk. PURE COMMUNISM: You have two cows. Your neighbors help you take care of them, and you all share the milk. RUSSIAN COMMUNISM: You have two cows. You have to take care of them, but the government takes all the milk. CAMBODIAN COMMUNISM: You have two cows. The government takes both of them and shoots you DICTATORSHIP: You have two cows. The government takes both and drafts you.