Forms of Government Chapter 1 Section 2

Objectives Classify governments according to 3 sets of characteristics Define systems of government based on who can participate Identify different ways that power can be distributed, geographically, within a state Describe government by the distribution of power between the executive branch and legislative branch

Objective Classify governments according to 3 sets of characteristics

Classifying Governments Classified 3 Ways: Who can participate in governing Geographic distribution of power within the state Relationship between legislative and executive branches

Objective Define systems of government based on who can participate

Who Can Participate Democracy Dictatorship Authority rests with the people Direct Public policy by people directly Only work in small communities Indirect Voters choose representatives to govern on their behalf Dictatorship Rulers not held responsible to the will of the people Oldest and most common form historically Often totalitarian Hold TOTAL and complete control over all aspects of life Autocracy – single person holds unlimited power Oligarchy – Power to rule by a small group (usually elite) Often look like a democracy

Objective Identify different ways that power can be distributed, geographically, within a state

Geographic Distribution of Power Unitary Government All power held by a central government Local government created to help govern DO NOT CONFUSE WITH DICTATORSHIP – POWER LIMITED Federal Government Powers divided between Central and Local government Superior Force sets division – A CONSTITUTION Cannot change without consent of both Confederate Government Alliance of independent states Central only has power that states have given it

Objective Describe government by the distribution of power between the executive branch and legislative branch

Legislative and Executive Branches Presidential Government Executive (president) and Legislative branches are separate and EQUAL to one another President and Legislature both chosen by the people Term limits in place Fixed Powers – Separation of Powers – Checks and Balances Parliamentary Government Executive Branch Prime Minister – Cabinet Chosen by Legislature – Members of the Legislature Remain in office as long as supported by majority in legislature Legislative Branch Elected by Majority vote of public By far most common form – WHY??? Government deadlock doesn’t exist