Monday 12/15/08 Starter Answer the following questions in a minimum of 3 sentences each: Describe what our world might look like if there were no rules or laws to tell people what they can and can not do. 2. Describe what our world might look like if there were too many laws which controlled everything a person can and can not do.

Comparing our World’s Governments

Standards Check List 7.4.1 Define the different types of governments (i.e., democracy, autocracy, oligarchy, monarchy, and dictatorship).

What is government? Government is the person or persons authorized to administer rules It is the ruling power The administration It is who decides how our world works

I. Autocracy One individual rules through various ways

II. Dictatorship a single ruler who normally takes control by force and rules how he wishes controls everything inside his state not restricted by laws Modern examples: Adolf Hitler

III. Monarchy Rule by a king or queen who generally inherits the right to rule a country

2 Forms of Monarchy Absolute Monarchy – the king or queen’s actions are not restricted by law The belief is that these Monarchs know what is best for the people and are raised for the role from birth -- very few Absolute Monarchs still exists WHY? 2. Constitutional Monarchy – the king of queen serves as ceremonial or symbolic figure Governmental rule is instead carried out by an elected Prime Minister through a Parliamentary system (EX: Great Britain & Canada)

Constitutional Monarchy

IV. Theocracy Rule by Religious Leader Modern Example: Iran

V. Democracy government ruled by majority of the people 2 Types of Democracy

1. Direct Democracy all citizens directly participate in government, and every person has an equally represented voice Pros – no need for political parties, more interest by citizens Cons – only works on a small scale were there are not a lot of people, people feel like they have no real power

2. Representative Democracy voters choose representatives to act in their best interests Must have elections in which people choose a candidate to make important decisions for them Elected officials retain the right to act according to their own judgment

Democratic Basic: Majority Rules

VI. Oligarchy “Rule by the few” 2 Types of Oligarchy: Aristocracy – where the upper class or wealthy called aristocrats rule

2 Types of Oligarchy Cont… 2. Military Junta – where the military leaders rule the country

_________________________ Writing Assignment 1. Which government type would you most like to live under and why? At least 3 sentences 2. Which government type would you least like to live under and why?