1. Types of Governments

2. Two Categories Unlimited Governments Limited Governments
Few if any restrictions placed on the holders of power
Leadership is above the laws
“Good of the collective” over individual rights
Often supported by the military
Limits placed on the power of the leadership (constitutional)
All people (including leaders) must obey the laws
Rights of the individual are protected

3. Unlimited Governments
Advantages
Disadvantages
Decisions can be made quickly
Loyalty of the people is not divided between competing ideologies
Collective tends to be strong
Few if any individual civil liberties
Needs of the leadership outweigh the needs of the people
Narrow base for decision making – leaders don’t have to take advice

4. Examples of Unlimited Governments
Absolute Monarchy
Communism
Dictatorship
Marxism
Oligarchy
Theocracy
Totalitarianism
Use the Internet to define each of the terms on the left, and provide an example of each.

5. Limited Governments Advantages Disadvantages
Broad base of loyalty and support
Individual rights are protected
Power holders are responsible to their constituents, so they are more likely to do a good job
More segments of society are represented
Time consuming
Can become divisive – different ideals want to be represented
Individuals can opt out of voting, so government can become controlled by special interest groups

6. Examples of Limited Governments
Constitutional monarchy
Democracy
Federation (Federal government)
Parliamentary democracy
Republic
Socialism
Use the Internet to define each of the terms on the left, and provide an example of each.

7. Which is Best?
In small groups (3 – 4) select the one form of government that you think everyone should adhere to.
Outline the general structure of your government (who is in charge of what, how the different departments are organized, etc.)
Outline how you would deal with the weaknesses of the system
Present your pick to the class – really sell it!
The class will vote for the one system that everyone should adhere to
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the voting system?