Political Systems We hang the petty thieves & appoint the great ones to public office. ~Aesop

Characteristics of a Country 1.A clearly defined territory- borders (natural & man made). 2.A permanent population. 3.Sovereignty- freedom from outside control. 4.A government.

Purposes of Government Establish Justice Insure Domestic Tranquility Provide for the Common Defense Promote the General Welfare Secure the Blessings of the Liberty Laws & punishments are fair & reasonable. Protect citizens from other citizens. Protect the country from outside forces. Provide services for the citizens' benefit. Protect citizens’ rights including life, liberty, & the pursuit of happiness.

Government Authority Autocracy- authority to rule belongs to a single individual. Monarchy An emperor, king, or queen holds the supreme powers of government. Monarchs achieve their position of authority through inheritance. Absolute monarchs have complete & unlimited power to rule their people. Rare today- Vatican City, Brunei, Swaziland, Saudi Arabia, & Oman

Government Authority Dictatorship The leader achieves & maintains authority by the ruthless use of police or military power. Totalitarian dictators seek to control all aspects of social & economic life. Government is not responsible to the people, & the people have no power to limit ruler’s actions. May try to give the appearance of control by the people, i.e. elections with only one candidate. Any political opposition is suppressed, usually with violence. Examples: Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Kim Jong Un.

Government Authority Oligarchy Governmental power rests with a small elite segment of society. The ruling group is distinguished by factors like social position, wealth, military, or religion. There may be a national assembly representing the people. However, it usually only approves policies & decisions already made by leaders. As in a dictatorship, oligarchies usually suppress all political opposition. Communist China, South Africa under Apartheid, Aristocracy in Europe, Myanmar.

Government Authority Democracy - people hold power, leaders rule with consent of the people –Republic A representative democracy where the people elect representatives who conduct government business. Representatives are responsible to the people. An assembly of representatives is called a legislature, a congress, a parliament, etc. The head of state, a president or Prime Minister, is elected for a specific term to carry out laws. Most democratic countries are republics.

Government Authority Constitutional Monarchy The monarch is legally restricted within the boundaries of a constitution. An elected official is the head of government, while the monarch serves as the symbolic head of state. “A sovereign who reigns but does not rule.” The authority to make & pass laws resides with an elected assembly, not with the monarch. The monarch’s role is often ceremonial, but some wield executive power. –Ceremonial: United Kingdom, Sweden, Japan –Executive: Jordan, Thailand, Tonga

Government Structures Unitary The central government holds authority over & makes decisions for the local governments. The central government directs policy decisions to local governments to be carried out. Creates a uniform set of policies and laws. Works well for small, compact countries.

Government Structures

Federal System A union of partially self-governing states or regions under a central government. Divides powers of government between the central & local governments. Each level of government has sovereignty in certain areas. Creates a complex system of local & national laws. Works well for large, expansive countries.

Government Structures

Unitary & Federal

Government Structures Confederation A loose union of independent political units. The smaller political units keep most of their sovereignty & give the central government only limited powers. Confederations are established for dealing with critical issues like defense, common currency etc. Allows several states to cooperate in common concerns but retain their separate identities. Leaves the central government restricted in its abilities. Works well for countries with very diverse populations or regions: Switzerland, European Union.

Government Structures