Understanding Government Animal Farm Understanding Government

Political Systems vs. Economic Systems Political Systems: Who is in power? What are your voting rights, personal freedoms etc? These systems have two dimensions: Degree of collectivism vs. individualism How much the group matters versus how much the individual matters Degree of totalitarianism vs. democracy How much the group’s ideals are valued versus how much individual opinions and innovations are considered Examples: Democracy, Communism Economic Systems: how the country’s economy operates Can you start your own business (free market!!) vs. you run a farm or start a business but it’s ultimately owned/controlled by the government Examples: Capitalism, Communism 2-2

Countries with political freedom Map 2.5 2-3

Global distribution of economic freedom Map 2.6 China has gained more freedom in this area, but government controls are still tight! 2-4

Pluralism: This form of government is set up so that political power is distributed among a wide range of groups. Socialism, Democracy and Constitutional Monarchy are examples of pluralistic governments.

Democracy: Literally means rule by the people: the people collectively govern themselves (either directly or by selected representatives)

Socialism: This is a system of public ownership of all production, distribution and communication. This system would ideally distribute wealth and income evenly to all people. Cooperation, not competition! There are MANY forms of socialism

Constitutional Monarchy: People under this form of rule are represented by a legislature or constitution that makes decisions. The monarch (King, Queen…) is a ceremonial figure with no real power.

Totalitarianism: One person or party has absolute control over all aspects of human life. This form of government demands total loyalty from its people and regulates all private activities. Fascism, Communism, and Absolute Monarchy are all types of totalitarian governments.

Communism: The government owns and controls most everything (communication, transportation, factories, education, agriculture…) and considers the well-being of the state more important than personal rights. In 1848 Karl Marx (journalist) wrote The Communist Manifesto – the ideas contained in this book laid the groundwork for communism China is communist in its political system and moving toward capitalism in it’s economic system….interesting…

Fascism: Fascist governments are usually headed by a dictator who, along with the “chosen few,” controls all political, economic, cultural, religious and social activities. Personal rights are not important. (Similar to Communism: the main difference is that although industry is controlled by the fascist gov., it remains privately owned).

Absolute Monarchy: A state controlled by one person with no limitations placed upon his/her governmental activities.

Which type of government do you think is best for the PEOPLE? Question to ponder…. Which type of government do you think is best for the PEOPLE?