Lesson 1: Governance Lesson 1: Governance

What is government? The people and institutions put in place to run or govern a country, state, province or community. The role of government is to make decisions and regulations for the people for whom it is responsible. The purpose of government is to protect its citizens and provide services.

How do governments differ from one another? Different government systems around the world are distinguished by the allocation of power and the types of rights and freedoms afforded to the citizens. Levels of power, in the case of governments, are often synonymous with levels of control.

Autocratic government A system of government run by a ruler with total power and authority over all aspects of life. This ruler is called a dictator and often has the support of the military. People living under authoritarian rule do not have individual rights and freedoms (e.g., Libya, North Korea).

Oligarchic government A form of government system in which power rests with a small number of people, generally the people who are rich and more powerful than the others (due to bloodlines or wealth). People living under oligarchic rule have some rights and freedoms (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, many African nations).

Democratic government A system of government in which power is retained by all the people, either directly or indirectly through elected representatives. Citizens have access to power and they also have guaranteed rights and freedoms (e.g., Canada, United States, Japan, Germany).

Canada’s Constitutional Monarchy Canada is a part of the British Commonwealth and is therefore ceremonially connected to the British Crown. A monarchy can be either a democracy or an autocracy (dictatorship). The Queen of England is also Canada’s Queen.

Commonwealth Prince and Princess Princess Catherine and Prince William, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are Canada’s Prince and Princess. In the summer of 2011 they toured Canada as a part of their honeymoon, including a visit to Alberta!

Quotes about Democracy “It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others that have been tried.” – Winston Churchill, 1947 “I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.” – Mohandas Gandhi 9

Final thoughts Is democracy important? Why? Is democracy perfect? How can democracy fail?