Purposes and Types of Government WHY do we have government and WHAT different types of governments exist?

Definition of Government Government: power or authority that rules a community ????? What are some examples of communities that have a government?

There are 5 Main Purposes of Government 1.Laws 2.Protection 3.Services 4.Plan for the future 5.Interactions with other governments

1) Laws a. Make and enforce rules that keep people safe b. Courts to settle conflicts c. Providing appropriate consequences

2)Protection a. Armed forces (navy, military, army, air force, marines) b. Police/Firemen c. Enforces laws

3.) Services – Education – Health Facilities (public hospitals) – Construction (highways, bridges) – Public Well-Being (science research, unemployment insurance, etc.)

4.) Plans for Future – Set national budget – Implement programs and reforms – Long-term national goals

5.) Interactions with Other Governments – Set policies with other countries – Settles issues

Types of Government Most types of govt’s fall under one of two categories: LIMITED GOVERNMENT: governments in which functions and powers are assigned, limited, and restricted by law (dictionary.com, 2010). UNLIMITED GOVERNMENT: governments in which the leader or group of leaders act without restriction.

Anarchy A society without government or law; lawlessness Anarchy is usually seen in a time of transition, one government is overthrown and a new one is taking over. LIMITED OR UNLIMITED? WHY?

Aristocracy A government ruled by a wealthy class (usually landowners).

Colonial A government set up in a foreign territory ruled by a “parent” state. —American colonies were the “children” of England (the “parent).

Confederacy A loose alliance among independent, self-ruling territories. During the American Civil War ( ), the South called itself the Confederate States of America

Constitutional A government ruled by a written and enforced document, or Constitution.

Republic A government in which the citizens rule, either a.) by making decisions through voting or b.) by electing representatives to make decisions for them. A.) Example: “Should we have a stop sign at the end of the road?” Citizens vote yes or no. B.) Example: People vote a leader to decide where to put the stop sign.

Democracy A government where the people hold the power. (“Demos” means “the people” in Greek) Citizens are equal and have equal rights The people control the government, usually through elections Many different ideas are shared and become part of the government Limited or unlimited?

Dictatorship/Totalitarian A government in which one person or a small group has total power. Limited or unlimited?

Federalism A government with a strong central government and individual states with limited, clearly defined powers. Limited or unlimited?

Monarchy A government ruled by a king and/or a queen. Limited or unlimited?

With your elbow partner, decide…Which of the previous terms apply to America today? Choose 4and explain why Anarchy Aristocracy Colonial Confederacy Dictatorship/Totalitarian Federalism Constitutional Democracy Republic Monarchy