American Government 2nd-5th Mr. Young Unit 1 Chapter 1, Section 3 American Government 2nd-5th Mr. Young

Essential Question Why did the Founding Fathers want America to be a Republic and not a Monarchy or a Democracy? What are the 5 important factors that democracy to grow within a state?

Major Types of Government Greek philosopher Aristotle asked “Who governs the state?” 3 major types of gov’t Autocracy- rule by one person Oligarchy- rule by few people Democracy- rule be many persons

3 Major Types of Government 1) Autocracy- Any system of gov’t in which the power and authority to rule are in the hands of a single individual Oldest and most common form of government 3 Types of autocratic governments

A. Absolute Power Totalitarian dictatorship- ideas of single leader are glorified and government seeks to control all aspects of social and economic life Examples: Hitler, Stalin, Napoleon

B. Monarchy King, queen, or emperor exercises supreme powers of government Absolute Monarchs- complete and unlimited power to rule Example: Western Europe 1400-1700

C. Constitutional Monarchs Monarchs that share government powers with elected legislature or serve mainly as the ceremonial leaders of their government Examples: Great Britain, Sweden, Japan

3 Major Types of Government 2) Oligarchy- Any system of government in which a small group holds the power Derives power from wealth, military power, social positions, religion, or a combo of them all. Example: Communist countries today

3 Major Types of Government 3) Democracy- System of government in which rule is by the people Key Idea: People hold sovereign power

Two Types of Democracies Direct Democracy- people govern themselves by voting on issues individually as citizens

Two Types of Democracies 2) Indirect/Representative Democracy- people elect representatives and give them the power

Democracy Cont. Republic- voters are the source of the government’s authority (requires citizen participation) Founding fathers wanted a republic because it would promote citizen participation Not every democracy around the world is a republic, i.e. Great Britain

Characteristics of Democracy Individual Liberty Majority Rule with Minority rights Free Elections Competing Political Parties

1) Individual Liberty People are as free as possible to develop their own opportunities for success

2) Majority Rule/Minority Rights In democracy people usually accept the decisions of majority of voters in elections Constitution helps to ensure the rights of individuals in the minority will be protected Easy to say, hard to maintain Court Case: Endo v. United States

3) Free Elections Democratic governments receive their legitimacy by the consent of the governed 5 characteristics that mark free elections

5 Characteristics of Free Elections “One person, one vote”: every vote the same All candidates can express their views freely Citizens free to help candidates or support issues Legal requirements for voting are kept to a minimum May vote freely by secret ballot

4) Competing Political Parties Political Parties- A group of individuals with broad common interests who organize to nominate candidates for office, win elections, conduct government, and determine public policy Those out of power help keep a check on those in power

Soil of Democracy Five general criteria where a democracy is more likely to grow Active citizen participation Favorable economy Widespread education Strong civil society Social consensus

1) Active Citizen Participation Citizens must be willing to participate in civic life, such as voting, serve on juries, and run for government offices

2) A Favorable Economy Need a good, large middle class Need a stable, growing economy People not worried about politics if their economic life is out of hand Free enterprise- the opportunity to control one’s own economic decision

3) Widespread Education Needs a country where its people are well educated It is the duty of government to provide education for citizens if it wants to be a democracy.

4) Strong Civil Society Groups and organizations that exist separately and independently of the government Give citizens opportunity to express views, make opinions heard, and participate in their democracy Examples: Red Cross, NRA, local churches and newspapers

5) Social Consensus Democracy is more likely to grow in a country where people accept the democratic values within a country, such as individual liberty, equality for all, and limits of gov’t power

Essential Question Why did the Founding Fathers want America to be a Republic and not a Monarchy or a Democracy? What are the 5 important factors that democracy to grow within a state?