Political Geography
The world is made of about 200 independent countries, each with a government that makes and enforces laws binding all people living in its territory.
The government of each country has unique characteristics that relate to that country’s historical development. To carry out their functions, governments are organized in a variety of ways. Most large countries have several different levels of government. These usually include a national or central government, as well as the governments of smaller internal divisions such as provinces, states, counties, cities, towns, and villages.
Boundaries or borders, set the limits of the territory controlled by the state. Within the lines, the state can collect taxes and create laws. A natural boundary is based on physical features of the land. An artificial boundary is a straight line generally following latitude or longitude lines.
Levels of Government A country may be further divided into regional governments that are allowed to create some local laws. A unitary system of government gives all key powers to the national or central government. The national government then creates local governments with limited authority. A federal system of government divides governmental powers between the national government and state or provincial governments. The United States, Mexico, and Switzerland are examples of federal governments.
World Geography Types of Government Type of Government Who Rules? Forms… Source of POWER!! examples Autocracy 1 person Totalitarian Monarchy (absolute and constitutional) Usually inherited Total = Adolf Hitler Nazi Germany, Saddam Hussein Iraq Start ppt. click link when it comes up minimize and you will be back to cover slide. Music only. llhammon llhammon Fall 2010
World Geography Types of Government Type of Government Who Rules? Forms… Source of POWER!! examples Autocracy 1 person Totalitarian Monarchy (absolute and constitutional) Usually inherited Total = Adolf Hitler Nazi Germany, Saddam Hussein Iraq Oligarchy Small group of leaders Communism Theocracy Wealth, military power, social position, divinely inspired Communism – China Theocracy – Afghanistan, North Korea Start ppt. click link when it comes up minimize and you will be back to cover slide. Music only. llhammon llhammon Fall 2010
World Geography Types of Government Type of Government Who Rules? Forms… Source of POWER!! examples Autocracy 1 person Totalitarian Monarchy (absolute and constitutional) Usually inherited Total = Adolf Hitler Nazi Germany, Saddam Hussein Iraq Oligarchy Small group of leaders Communism Theocracy Wealth, military power, social position, divinely inspired Communism – China Theocracy – Afghanistan, North Korea Democracy All citizens through elected officials Direct Representative All citizens through elections Direct only exists at a local level. Representative = USA and France Start ppt. click link when it comes up minimize and you will be back to cover slide. Music only. llhammon llhammon Fall 2010
Oh butt… Communism is a system in which the government holds nearly all political power and means of production. This political system is linked closely with the nation’s economic system and can actually be an oligarchy and an autocracy.
World Geography Types of Government Examples of Theocracy throughout history. In the Middle Ages, the head of the Catholic Church, the Pope, ruled extensive territories in Italy. Pharaohs of ancient Egypt were believed to be gods. Iran, has both a theocratic and democratic government. The President and representatives are elected but are controlled by the Supreme Leader. Picture left to right. Pharaoh of Egypt Emperor Justintine – Byzantine Empire Pope Gregory VII of Rome Puritan minister Supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Interprets religious law (Islamic Law – Sharia), can dismiss the President, and can declare war. In early colonial times, Puritan ministers helped govern Massachusetts. The Supreme Leader is an Islamic cleric appointed for life. llhammon Fall 2010