Foundation of Government and Political Systems

What is government? Government – group of people who have the power to make and enforce laws for a country or area

Most governments have a constitution, the United States Has one as well. Constitution – System of basic rules that organized the government But what kind of powers does a government have?

Limited Vs. Unlimited government Limited GovernmentUnlimited Government Government actions limited by law No limits on the government Works to protect the common good One ruler or a small group of people make all the decisions for the country Provides for their peopleCan lead to Tyranny – unjust use of power

Political Systems Vocabulary words City-State – Independent state that has a city and surrounding area Empire – State containing several countries Nation-State – State independent of a nation state

Political Systems - Examples City-State of Greece Roman Empire

Political Systems – Types of government DemocracyMonarchyAuthoritarian Citizens hold powerRuled by king/queen Rules by single person or small group Limited PowerPower can be limited or unlimited Unlimited Power Citizens select leaders to pass laws Power is given automatically to family Government owns and controls all property and all aspects of life

Assignment Break off into groups of 3 or 4 Refer to the handout about the different forms of government Your group will create a new country. Name it whatever you like and decide where it is located on the map Decide what form of government you will use and why. What will be your rules and laws