Theories and Forms of Government Objective: SWBAT identify the theories and forms of government

What is Government? The system that sets up and enforces a society’s laws and institutions. Some governments are controlled by a few people, some are controlled by many. Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and forms of government

Four Main Functions of Government Maintain SOCIAL ORDER Provide PUBLIC SERVICES Provide for NATIONAL SECURITY and a COMMON DEFENSE Provide the basis for an ECONOMIC SYSTEM (i.e., capitalism, socialism, communism) Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and forms of government Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and origins of government

Theories of Government Evolution Theory A population formed out of primitive families. The heads of these families became the government. When these families settled in one territory and claimed it as their own, they became a sovereign state. Force Theory An individual or group claimed control over a territory and forced the population to submit. In this way, the state became sovereign, and those in control formed a government. Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and forms of government Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and origins of government

Theories of Government Divine Right Theory God created the state, making it sovereign. The government is made up of those chosen by God to rule a certain territory. The population must obey their ruler. Social Contract Theory A population in a given territory gave up as much power to a government as needed to promote the well-being of all. In doing so, they created a sovereign state. Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and forms of government Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and origins of government

Theories of Government Problems With Evolution Theory Considers citizens as children; paternalistic approach. Dissent is disobedience to the “fatherland.” Problems With Force Theory Rewards the biggest gun, most brutal, most aggressive people at the expense of the weak. Dissent is crushed. Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and forms of government Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and origins of government

Theories of Government Problems With Divine Right Theory Requires citizens to be submissive. Dissent is considered a sin against God. Creates a class society. Problems With Social Contract Theory Who controls the terms of the contract? Who controls the government? Who exactly are, “The People”? Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and forms of government Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and origins of government

Forms of Governments Unless a country is in a state of chaos or anarchy, it is most likely run by a government. All governments are run a little bit differently and have different rights, laws, and consequences. However, all governments have some things in common. Due to certain similarities, we can put all governments into one of four categories. Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and forms of government

Forms of Governments The types of government are: A) Dictatorship B) Monarchy C) Representative Democracy D) Direct Democracy However, there are other types of government that are often a combination of the types above. Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and forms of government

Forms of Governments Dictatorship A dictatorship is a type of government where only one person rules. The ruler has total control and is often tyrannical in his/her rule. Often times dictators take over a country in what is called a “coup d’etat” Dictators are said to: “Rule with an iron fist” Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and forms of government

Monarchy Forms of Governments A monarchy is a government that is ruled by one head of state (called a king, or chief, or emperor, or pharaoh), who usually reigns for life, and then passes down this reign to his/her offspring. There are two types of Monarchies Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and forms of government

Forms of Governments An absolute monarchy is one in which the government is completely controlled by the head of state, usually a king or chief. It is considered a dictatorship because one person has absolute power. A constitutional monarchy is one in which the Head of State (usually a King) has very limited powers, which are upheld by a constitution, and which is supported by representatives in a parliament, who are voted upon by the people. The Prime Minister, voted on by the people, is the Head of Government. Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and forms of government

Forms of Governments Representative Democracy A representative democracy is a government in which people elect representatives who hold the decision making power, and who are limited in their power by a constitution. Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and forms of government

Forms of Governments Direct Democracy A direct democracy is a government in which all citizens have equal power in decision making. All citizens have the right to vote on every single issue. All citizens have the right to debate and discuss issues. The government is controlled by everyone equally. Objective: Students will be able to identify the theories and forms of government