INTRODUCTION TO DEMOCRACY Systems of Governments

What is government? Government refers to “the person or persons authorized to administer the laws; the ruling power; the administration.” Government refers to “the person or persons authorized to administer the laws; the ruling power; the administration.” The main function of government, and the primary reason for their establishment, is TO HELP PEOPLE MEET THEIR NEEDS! The main function of government, and the primary reason for their establishment, is TO HELP PEOPLE MEET THEIR NEEDS!

3 THINGS GOVERNMENTS MUST DO… 1. Make laws and decisions about what people need. 1. Make laws and decisions about what people need. 2. Collect and spend money to help make these laws and decisions. 2. Collect and spend money to help make these laws and decisions. 3. Make sure laws are being obeyed. 3. Make sure laws are being obeyed.

ANARCHY Anarchy is the word used to describe the absence of any form of political system. In other words, there is no government. Anarchy is the word used to describe the absence of any form of political system. In other words, there is no government. In this system, each individual is responsible for meeting his/her own needs on his/her own. In this system, each individual is responsible for meeting his/her own needs on his/her own. Problems??? Problems???

DICTATORSHIP A dictatorship is a system of government in which one person holds all authority or power. In other words, a dictator has the power to tell people what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. A dictatorship is a system of government in which one person holds all authority or power. In other words, a dictator has the power to tell people what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. Regular citizens have no say and have very few rights and freedoms. Regular citizens have no say and have very few rights and freedoms. Dictators often use fear and force to maintain their power. Dictators often use fear and force to maintain their power. E.g. Adolph Hitler of Germany. E.g. Adolph Hitler of Germany. But do dictatorships actually exist today? But do dictatorships actually exist today?

ARISTOCRACY Aristocracy is a system of government by a ruling class considered to be superior to others; often the rich, upper class. Aristocracy is a system of government by a ruling class considered to be superior to others; often the rich, upper class.

MONARCHY A monarchy is a system of government where a king or queen holds the power and authority. In other words, the king or queen rules the country. A monarchy is a system of government where a king or queen holds the power and authority. In other words, the king or queen rules the country. Citizens DO NOT have a choice as to who their leader will be, as it is the right of birth that determines power. Citizens DO NOT have a choice as to who their leader will be, as it is the right of birth that determines power. When a king or queen dies, power is passed down to the oldest son When a king or queen dies, power is passed down to the oldest son E.g. King Abdullah of Jordan E.g. King Abdullah of Jordan

CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY A constitutional monarchy is a system of government where the head of the government is a king or queen, BUT the king or queen has no real power. A constitutional monarchy is a system of government where the head of the government is a king or queen, BUT the king or queen has no real power. It is the people who elect the government, with the king or queen simply being a SYMBOLIC head of state. It is the people who elect the government, with the king or queen simply being a SYMBOLIC head of state. E.g. Canada, Britain, Sweden E.g. Canada, Britain, Sweden

DEMOCRACY Standard Definition: a democracy is simply a government by the people for the people. Standard Definition: a democracy is simply a government by the people for the people.

DEMOCRACY – A CLOSER LOOK Expanded Definition: democracy is a system of government that is periodically elected and controlled by the people who live under it. Expanded Definition: democracy is a system of government that is periodically elected and controlled by the people who live under it. In other words, the people have the authority and power. In other words, the people have the authority and power.

Characteristics of a Democracy Think of the Paradise Island activity we just completed. The activity actually provides us with a small glimpse as to some of the characteristics that make up a democracy. Think of the Paradise Island activity we just completed. The activity actually provides us with a small glimpse as to some of the characteristics that make up a democracy. How did we practice democracy in this activity? How did we practice democracy in this activity? Everyone had the right to share their opinions Everyone had the right to share their opinions Everyone had the right/freedom to disagree Everyone had the right/freedom to disagree Everyone could participate in making decisions Everyone could participate in making decisions Compromise was used in the group to reach decisions Compromise was used in the group to reach decisions Everyone had the right to vote, and everyone’s vote was equal. Everyone had the right to vote, and everyone’s vote was equal.

Democracy means…. a system of democracy includes the following characteristics: a system of democracy includes the following characteristics: Protection of individuals’ and groups’ rights and freedoms Protection of individuals’ and groups’ rights and freedoms E.g. right to vote; freedom to disagree E.g. right to vote; freedom to disagree Citizen participation Citizen participation Equality for all Equality for all Discussion and compromise used as ways to reach decisions. Discussion and compromise used as ways to reach decisions. Compromise is the process of reaching a settlement that will satisfy all parties involved. Compromise is the process of reaching a settlement that will satisfy all parties involved. Voting in elections, with the majority ruling Voting in elections, with the majority ruling Support for diversity Support for diversity

DECISION MAKING IN A DEMOCRACY Voting – is the decision making process where the casting of votes is used, with the majority ruling. Voting – is the decision making process where the casting of votes is used, with the majority ruling. Majority rule means that decisions are determined or made by 51% or more of the votes Majority rule means that decisions are determined or made by 51% or more of the votes What are some of the advantages and disadvantages to this decision making process? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages to this decision making process?

DECISION MAKING IN A DEMOCRACY Consensus – is the decision making process where compromise is used among participants in order to ensure the decision made will satisfy ALL parties involved. Consensus – is the decision making process where compromise is used among participants in order to ensure the decision made will satisfy ALL parties involved. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages to this decision making process? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages to this decision making process?

PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY A vital component to democracy is the 4 major pillars you will soon be introduced to. A vital component to democracy is the 4 major pillars you will soon be introduced to. Without these pillars, a democracy cannot truly exist. In fact, even if one pillar starts to fall, a democracy will begin to crumble. Without these pillars, a democracy cannot truly exist. In fact, even if one pillar starts to fall, a democracy will begin to crumble. Let’s take a closer look at each pillar… Let’s take a closer look at each pillar…

JUSTICE Justice – use of the law to ensure the rights and freedoms of individuals and groups are protected. Justice – use of the law to ensure the rights and freedoms of individuals and groups are protected. What do you think of when you hear this word? What do you think of when you hear this word?

EQUITY Equity – providing individuals with what they need in order to give them a fair opportunity in society. Equity – providing individuals with what they need in order to give them a fair opportunity in society. What do you think of when you hear this word? What do you think of when you hear this word?

FREEDOMS Freedoms – the ability to think, act, and speak of your own free will within the limits of the law. Freedoms – the ability to think, act, and speak of your own free will within the limits of the law. What do you think of when you hear this word? What do you think of when you hear this word?

REPRESENTATION Representation – to act in the best interest of yourself or others. To stand for oneself or others. Representation – to act in the best interest of yourself or others. To stand for oneself or others. What do you think of when you hear this word? What do you think of when you hear this word?