Types of Government Day 1

What is Gov’t? Government- ruling authority for a community or society. Any organization that has the power to make and enforce, or carry out laws and decisions for its members acts as a gov’t.

What do gov’ts do? Keep Order – ex) Pass and enforce traffic laws, establish courts Provide Security – Ex) prevent crime, protect citizens from foreign attacks Provide Services – Ex) libraries, schools, hospitals, parks, water, utilities Guide the Community – Ex) manage the economy, conduct foreign relations Developing public policy- a course of gov’t action in order to achieve community goals Budget- a plan for collecting and spending money

Direct Democracy Direct Democracy – everyone in a direct democracy gets an equal vote on each issue. Instead of having elected representatives, everyone votes on each issue. – Ex) Switzerland Based on principles from Athens, Greece

Republic/ Representative Democracy Republic/ Representative Democracy - citizens elect a smaller group of individuals to represent the wishes of the entire people to make laws, and govern on their behalf. – Ex) USA

Monarchy Monarchy- a gov’t with a hereditary ruler, a king, queen, or other royal figure who inherits the position of power.

Constitutional Monarchy- Constitutional Monarchy- a monarchy who’s powers that are limited by the country’s constitution and laws. In most constitutional monarchies the monarchs are heads of states only, presiding at ceremonies and serving as symbols of unity. Aka Figureheads – Ex) Great Britain

Authoritarian Regimes Authoritarian Regimes- power is held by the individual or a group not accountable to the people.

Types of Authoritarian Regimes Absolute Monarchy- the power of the royal family was unrestricted. Mostly died out around the 1600s

Types of Authoritarian Regimes Dictatorship- absolute control over the state, but normally the power is taken by force. Rely heavily on the police and military. Often tamper with elections or refuse to hold them. Limit freedom of speech, assembly, and the press.

Types of Authoritarian Regimes Totalitarianism- many dictators impose totalitarian rule on their people. Gov’t control extends to almost all aspects of people’s lives. Ban political opposition. Regulate industries. Suppress individual freedoms and tell people what to believe. Control the media, use scare tactics, and violence. – Ex) Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler. – Ex)Some people today consider China, North Korea, Cuba to be under totalitarianism