Systems of Government LT: I can define different types of government systems and demonstrate my understanding of the systems of government by performing a skit that shows key characteristics of one system. A. Democracy B. Oligarchy C. Monarchy D. Totalitarian E. Aristocracy F. Autocracy G. Republic

the governing body of a nation, state, or community In charge of: creating and regulating laws managing the economy enforcing policies This can happen in many different ways, with different levels of freedoms. Not all governments are the same, and some look very different from each other! Government – What is it?

Spectrum of Governmental Power Autocracy & Aristocracy (Monarchy & Oligarchy) Totalitarian (Dictatorship) Democracy Republic Anarchy Spectrum of Governmental Power

Definition: a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the state Key features: an ideology that addresses all aspects of life and outlines means to attain the final goal a single-party system through which the people are mobilized Usually led by a dictator Some sense of terror used to control the people Historical examples: Hitler’s Germany Stalin’s Soviet Union Mussolini’s Italy Totalitarian

Definition: System of government by one person with absolute power Key features: One person in charge who makes all laws and is limited by none Monarchies are also the rule by one, but usually the next in line to the throne is based on heredity Historical examples: Louis XIV (aka the sun king) Autocracy

Definition: Rule by the few (Greek root words: ‘rule by the best’), usually made up of land owning, wealthy, and influential members of society. Oligarchy is the main type of aristocracy Historical Example Sparta (ancient Greek city-state) Aristocracy

Definition: a form of government in which all eligible citizens are meant to participate equally Key Features: All eligible citizens help make laws and govern Simple majorities Eligible citizens: In ancient Greece, eligible citizens did not mean ‘everybody’. Referred to wealthy, male citizens, who were Greek born. Historical examples: Athens Switzerland Democracy

Republic: system of government where people elect representatives to exercise power for them What government does the US have? A Democratic Republic! (we elect people to exercise power for us, but we elect them with a majority vote.) Anarchy: Absence of government, no government Republic & Anarchy