Purpose Theories Categories of Government Types of Government Learning Targets: I can describe the purpose of government I can compare and contrast the different theories of government I can compare and contrast the different types of government

What is a nation? Population Land with boundaries Sovereignty: A nation has supreme and absolute power within its own territory Government The institution through which a society makes and enforces public policies

4 Purposes of Government Keep societies ordered Peace at home Provide public service Transportation/ education Protection Police Military

4 Purposes of Government 3. Promote standards of behavior Rules of conduct (Laws) 4. Make economic decisions Type of system/ money/ trade/ natural resources

Theories of Government Evolutionary Theory The state developed out of the early primitive family in which one person was the head Original family unit becomes a network of families (clan) Eventually clans come together to make a tribe The tribes then settle to make a state

Theories of Government Divine Right Theory The state was created by God who gave those of royal birth the “divine right” to rule.

Theories of Government Force & Conquest Theory One group claims control over an area and forced all people within its borders to submit to their rule.

Theories of Government Social Contract Theory People lived in a “state of nature” No government or order People gave up freedom in exchange for protection and security As long as the state protects the peoples “natural rights” (life, liberty, & property), the people will give up freedoms and abide by the laws

Categories of Government How Power is Divided Unitary (Centralized) All powers belong to a central authority Local power is created for convenience and stems from central authority (United Kingdom/ U.S. State governments) Federal Power is divided between national and state governments U.S.

Types of Government: Autocracy Power and authority to rule are in the hands of a single ruler Totalitarian Dictatorship Leader exercises absolute control aspects of social and economic life People lack the power to limit their rule. Examples: Germany under Hitler/ Soviet Union under Stalin

Types of Government: Autocracy Monarchy King, Queen, Emperor, or Tsar exercises supreme power of government Complete and unlimited power (divine right) Power usually inherited Example: Saudi Arabia/ Kuwait/ Old England

Types of Government: Oligarchy Small group holds power Power comes from wealth, military power, social power or a combination of these Communist Totalitarianism Total control over all aspects of life Reinforced by propaganda Sometimes having seeming democratic institutions such as assemblies and elections All opposition is suppressed Example: China/ Cuba

Types of Government: Democracy Direct Democracy All citizens have a vote on all topics (does not exist in today’s world) Indirect Democracy (Democratic Republic) People elect representatives giving them power to govern Responsible to carry out the peoples will Regularly scheduled elections make representatives responsible to the people

Environment That Promotes Democracy Freedom of Economic Decisions Freedom to own property and private control of money leads to free political decisions Large Middle Class Economic comfort leads to more confident to make political decisions Those in poverty are less likely to vote or make political decisions Educated Public