Government Systems From Monarchy to Totalitarianism

Why Do We Need Government? Regulate human contacts Protect the natural rights of citizens Create rules and laws Health, safety and welfare

Beginnings of Government 4000 B.C.- Sumerians were the first people to set up a formal government 3500 B.C.- Egyptian pharaohs ruled as gods 2000 B.C.- King Hammurabi created laws to govern the worlds first empire

One person is the ruler for his/her natural life Position determined by heredity Power gradually diminished as middle class influence increased 20 th century power mostly symbolic Monarchy

Democracy Began in ancient Greece All citizens participate in running the state Emphasis on the equality of its people Laws imposed by the majority

Socialism Government ownership of property Cooperation instead of competition All people share in the goods and services

Communism All citizens share ownership in goods and production Property and goods are distributed equally Everyone works for the common good

Totalitarianism Small group of individuals or tyrant controls every facet of citizens lives Emphasis on a classless society Attempts to create a perfect society No dissent of any kind is allowed

The End