Types of Governments Chapter 1, Sec. 3
Bell Ringer 1.3 On a half sheet of paper, please complete the prompt independently. How would a group of teenagers behave if they were placed in a state of nature? Would a leader emerge? How would they make decisions? Explain!
Do we need Government? Discuss the social contract theory. Why do we live in communities? What do we expect government to do for us? Protect rights Provide services Promote economic growth Keep us safe
What type of government to have? After examining the list of governments, answer the following questions. Which form of government is the best? Why? Which for of government would be the worst? Why?
Aristotle’s View Believed all governments could be placed in one of three categories: Autocracy—Rule by 1 Oligarchy—Rule by a few Democracy—Rule by many
Autocracies Totalitarian Dictatorship Rule by force (Ex.?) Backed by military No rights or choice in government Absolute Monarchy Divine right (Ex.?) Total authority Few exist today
Oligarchies Rule by a few Communist nations are often run this way. Decisions are made by a ruling board (Politburo); decisions are implemented by the Premier (leader) If the leader is also the head of the military, government may be autocratic in nature.
Democracies Greece was the first real democracy. Most dominant form of government today in the world. Democracies vary greatly in practice, scope, and structure.
Characteristics of Democracies Not all democracies are republics. Value liberty and freedom. Have majority rule with minority rights. Conduct free elections. Allow competing political parties. Have highly educated populations Free Enterprise
Constitutional Monarchies In theory, Constitutional Monarchies are autocracies. In practice, though, they are democracies. Nearly all constitutional monarchies are Parliamentary Democracies. The monarchs are largely ceremonial. The power lies in the hands of the country’s prime minister.
Constitutional Monarchies King Bhumibol of Thailand Queen Elizabeth II of UK PM Niwatthamrong PM David Cameron
Presidential versus Parliamentary President elected by people either directly or indirectly Prime Minister chosen by the party Both are chief executives Prime minister is the leader of Parliament President is separated from legislative branch. President has a set term of office.
Can Democracies Last? Read the handout. Where are we in this lineup? Can we escape this fate? If so, what will it take? If not, why do you feel we cannot? Will we escape this fate? Defend your response. Does it bother you that this excerpt was written in 1857?
What are the Principles of American Democracy? List each of these on adjacent page to lesson 3. Define each. Then, illustrate it with an example. Rule of Law Limited Government Consent of the Governed Individual Rights Representative Government
Rights, Duties & Responsibilities Assign projects Give example