1. Introduction to Civics Civics 10 Chapter 1

2. A. Civics- the study of American citizenship and the rights and responsibilities of the people B. Citizen- group member living under certain laws C. Government- those (citizens) who take part in the ruling group What type of Governments are you a part of? State, National, Local, County, City, Township, School Sovereignty: What is it? The people have the power to rule the territory or country We choose our leaders… Do other nations do this?

3. Why study Civics? 1. To gain knowledge about government functions at all levels… local, state, national 2. To learn how to participate in government (everyone does this!) 3. To learn about and protect our rights! Think about it… What would governments be like without laws?

4. What do governments do? 1. Enforce and make laws: all governments do this at all levels. 2. Provide services: Examples…needs in case of emergencies (flood, earthquakes, etc), maintain highways, public transportation, school lunches 3. Set goals: the plan to achieve these goals is called public policy. Examples: stop pollution, build a new public transportation system, research/technology for the future 4. Preserve culture: customs and beliefs of the people. Examples: National holidays – MLK Day, 4 th of July, State and County Fairs, etc.

5. Types of Governments Dictatorship: one person or small group holds absolute power (Nazi Germany, Cuba) - not limited by laws or lower ruling bodies - usually come to power in times of unrest Monarchy: one person or family rules- power inherited from family members (king/queen) 1. Absolute Monarchy- ruler has complete power (Saudi Arabia) 2. Constitutional Monarchy- power of monarch is checked by other government leaders (Great Britian)

6. Democracy- government in which authority to rule is held by the people 1. Direct Democracy- citizens themselves rule (Ancient Greece) 2. Representative Democracy- people choose representatives to lead government for them (USA) Trends: Greater the number of people that rule/greater the amount of rights Less number of people that rule/ the less amount of rights

7. Economic Systems… what are they? Ways in which goods and services are produced, distributed, and exchanged 3 types of Economic Systems 1. Capitalism: most of the means of production and distribution are owned by private citizens or companies - Depends on “Free Market”- competition forces businesses to produce better products more efficiently or go out of business - Government does regulate some items: taxes, monopolies, trusts, unemployment insurance, etc. (Mixed Economy) Can Capitalist countries be dictatorships?

8. 2. Socialism: government owns or controls certain basic industries (banking, transportation, health care, etc) - many small, private businesses as well - Philosophy: the country’s wealth and resources should be distributed somewhat equally. - Taxes on the wealthy are very high- overall salaries are lower than capitalist nations but the benefits are excellent (health care, social security, etc)

9. 3. Communism: until their ideal society (class-less) materializes, the government must control all parts of the economy (society) - government owns and runs almost every industry and decides the availability of jobs, what will be produced, and how much will be produced - very inefficient at times: no competition, product improvements are hindered, shortages and surpluses are very common