[ 1.2 ] Types of Government

[ 1.2 ] Types of Government Learning Objectives Classify governments according to three sets of characteristics. Define systems of government based on who can participate. Identify ways that power can be distributed, geographically, within a state. Describe a government by the distribution of power between the legislative branch and executive branch.

[ 1.2 ] Types of Government Key Terms Alexander Pope Abraham Lincoln autocracy oligarchy unitary government federal government division of powers confederation presidential government parliamentary

Classifying Governments Does the form a government takes, the way in which it is structured, have any importance? Political scientists, historians, and other social commentators have long argued that question. The English poet Alexander Pope wrote a couplet about the issue in 1733.

Classifying Governments The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy, in which a monarch acts as head of state guided by a constitution. In parliament, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip sit on thrones.

Who Can Participate? To many people, the most meaningful of these classifications is the one that depends on the number of persons who can take part in the governing process. Here there are two basic forms to consider: democracies and dictatorships.

Who Can Participate? Democracy Direct Democracy and Indirect Democracy Republic Dictatorship Authoritarian Dictatorship Oligarchy Autocracy Theocracy Tribal and Other Republics

Who Can Participate? Democratic government derives its power from the people but can be either direct or indirect democracy. Analyze Charts Why might indirect democracy be better for a larger population?

Who Can Participate? In the United States, examples of direct democracy are only seen at the State or local level. Direct democracy works better in smaller groups where everyone can meet together and make decisions as a group.

Who Can Participate? There are different forms of government all over the world. People express their will differently in each. Analyze Maps How does each government's reaction differ to expressions of will?

Geographic Distribution of Power In every system of government, the power to govern is located in one or more places geographically. From this standpoint, three basic forms of government exist: unitary, federal, and confederate.

Geographic Distribution of Power Centralized Government Great Britain Central and Local Governments United States Other States Alliance of Independent States Confederate States The European Union

Geographic Distribution of Power Power can be distributed between central (national) and local governments in three different ways. Analyze Charts Which diagram best describes the distribution of power in the United States?

Geographic Distribution of Power In the United States, local, State, and federal agencies often work together during domestic disasters. Local police in Boston conferred with federal agents after the Boston Marathon bombings.

Geographic Distribution of Power Countries with many different types of government are part of the European Union. Analyze Maps Based on this map, what generalization can you make about these governments?

Legislative and Executive Branches Political scientists also classify governments based on the relationship between their legislative (law-making) and executive (law- executing) agencies. This classification yields two basic forms of government, known as parliamentary and presidential.

Legislative and Executive Branches Separation of Powers Between Branches of Government Written Constitution Parliamentary Government Advantages and Disadvantages of Presidential and Parliamentary Systems

Legislative and Executive Branches In a presidential democracy, voters elect both the legislative and executive branches of government. Analyze Charts How is the executive branch related to the legislative branch?

Legislative and Executive Branches Members of the South African parliament are sworn into office. A voter-elected National Assembly and a National Council of Provinces comprises the South African Parliament.

Quiz: Classifying Governments Which of these statements supports the argument that the structure of a government is important? A. People argue about government structures. B. Governments can be classified by basic features. C. Governments are the products of human needs. D. No two governments are exactly alike.

Quiz: Who Can Participate? Which is a feature of a direct democracy? A. People elect representatives to create public policy. B. People transform their will into public policy. C. People protest in the streets and at mass meetings. D. People are ruled by a single person.

Quiz: Geographic Distribution of Power Which best describes a unitary government? A. A single person holds unlimited political power. B. The power to rule is held by a small group. C. The government usually gains power by force. D. All powers held by the government belong to a central agency.

Quiz: Legislative and Executive Branches Which answer most likely explains why some dictatorships adopt features of democratic governments－for example, popular elections and elected legislative bodies? A. to exercise power and promote solidarity B. to gain practice with democratic principles C. to showcase aspiring political candidates D. to appease their people and other nations