American Government Day 4 BTEOTLIWBAT: Apply the theories of government to movies to determine the theory represented. (pg 4) Opener Channel 1

Dictators and Warlords Pg 5 Evolutionary Theory: the state evolved from the family group - clans & tribes Force Theory: One person or a group used force to establish its authority to govern the people. Dictators and Warlords Theories of Gov. Divine Right Theory: The rulers of the people were chosen by the gods to govern. Kings, Queens, Empires Social Contract Theory: The people gave the government its power to rule them, and in return the government had to respect the people’s rights. Presidents, Senators, etc.

Activity You will be given several movie posters Sort the movies into one of those 4 categories based on what type of theory you think applies the best. Write a short justification for each movie.

Example #1 Storyline Movie Cover William Wallace is a Scottish rebel who leads an uprising against the cruel English ruler Edward the Longshanks, who wishes to inherit the crown of Scotland for himself. When he was a young boy, William Wallace's father and brother, along with many others, lost their lives trying to free Scotland. Once he loses another of his loved ones, William Wallace begins his long quest to make Scotland free once and for all, along with the assistance of Robert the Bruce.

Example #2 Storyline Movie Cover Naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith, leader of the Boy Rangers, is appointed on a lark by the spineless governor of his state. He is reunited with the state's senior senator-- presidential hopeful and childhood hero, Senator Joseph Paine. In Washington, however, Smith discovers many of the shortcomings of the political process as his earnest goal of a national boys' camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss, Jim Taylor. Taylor first tries to corrupt Smith and then later attempts to destroy Smith through a scandal.

Example 3 Story Line Movie Cover After The Atomic War the world is divided into three states. London is a city in Oceania, ruled by a party who has total control over all its citizens. Winston Smith is one of the bureaucrats, rewriting history in one of the departments. One day he commits the crime of falling in love with Julia. They try to escape Big Brother's listening and viewing devices, but, of course, nobody can really escape... 

Example 4 Story Line Movie Cover Back when the Earth was being overrun by glaciers, and animals were scurrying to save themselves from the upcoming Ice Age, a sloth named Sid, a woolly mammoth named Manny, and a saber-toothed tiger named Diego are forced to become unlikely heroes. The three reluctantly come together when they have to return a human child to its tribe while braving the deadly elements of the impending Ice Age.

Activity You will be given several movie posters Sort the movies into one of those 4 categories based on what type of theory you think applies the best. Write a short justification for each movie.

Systems of Government Unitary Federal All key powers go to the National or Central government Central Government MAY choose to make other levels and give them some sovereignty. Powers divided between national, state or provincial governments Each has sovereignty in some areas Confederal: The vast majority of political power rests with the local governments; the central federal government has very little power.

Types of Government A small group holds power. Oligarchy A small group holds power. Power comes from money, military, social position or a combination. Ex. China

Types of Government Autocracy Totalitarian Dictatorship Monarchy The ideas of a single leader are glorified The government controls all aspects of social and economic life Inherit or ruthless use of military power Cuba Monarchy Absolute Monarchy - King, Queen, Emperor has supreme power of government. Usually inherit. - Saudi Arabia Constitutional Monarchy- Monarch share governmental powers with elected legislatures -United Kingdom

Types of Government Democracy Direct Democracy People govern themselves by voting on issues individually as citizens. Some smaller states in Switzerland Representative Democracy People elect representatives and give them the responsibility and power to make laws and run the government.

Relationship between branches

Reactionary Systems Communism Socialism Government control means of production, distribution of goods, etc. No social classes Redistribution of wealth to promote equality Facism: a political system headed by a dictator in which the government controls business and labor and opposition is not permitted. Promotes Social Classes.

Wrap-up Create a Pro/Con chart for Monarchy and Democracy