Forms of Government Chapter 1 Section 2
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 Autocracy – Direct Only work in small communities Indirect (AKA REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY) Dictatorship Oldest and most common form historically Often Hold TOTAL and complete control over all aspects of life Autocracy – Oligarchy – (usually elite) Often look like a democracy
Objective Identify different ways that power can be distributed, geographically, within a state
Geographic Distribution of Power (Page 16) Unitary DO NOT CONFUSE WITH DICTATORSHIP – POWER LIMITED Federal Superior Force sets division – A CONSTITUTION Confederate 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 (Page 17) Presidential Term limits in place Fixed Powers – Separation of Powers – Checks and Balances Parliamentary Executive Branch Prime Minister – Cabinet Legislative Branch Elected by Majority vote of public By far most common form – WHY??? Government deadlock doesn’t exist