1. Government A government is the organization through which a political unit exercises its authority, controls and administers public policy, and directs and controls the actions of its members and subjects.

2. Types of Government Unlimited Government Unrestrained leader Tyranny & Dictatorship Limited Government Restraints on power, laws, and elections

3. Constitutions Set of customs or laws, the basic structures of government Every country has one, good or bad

4. Types of Government Democracy – People directly vote and represent themselves. Examples: Town meetings, Ancient Greece Republic – A government in which people have the right to vote for leaders to represent them. Example: United States

5. Types of Government Absolute Monarchy – Kings or Queens have complete authority over the government and the people. Their authority is inherited. Examples: Medieval Europe in England and France Theocracy – Priests or religious leaders serve as rulers. Examples: Iran and Saudi Arabia

6. Types of Government Totalitarianism – State holds total authority over the society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life wherever possible. Authority is not inherited and it is often taken by force. Dictatorship – Undemocratic rule in which absolute power is exercised through a single party dictator who is often elected. (Kim Jong Un)

7. Types of Government Oligarchy – A small group exercises control. Communism – Common ownership of property. (Cuba, China, and Vietnam.)

8. Types of Government Constitutional Monarchy – Has a legislative body and ceremonial figureheads. (England) Anarchy – A lack of a government system. (Somalia, French Revolution, and the English Civil War)