1. We are the Government Produced by the League of Women Voters® of Oregon Education Fund

2. Unlike other forms of government, the democratic government of the United States is composed "of the people" and is directed "by the people" through elections. (c) 20142

3. Government: A system of social control under which the right to make laws, and the right to enforce them, is vested in a particular group in society. (c) 20143

4. Forms of Government Autocracy Dictatorship Oligarchy Theocracy Monarchy Democracy (c) 20144

5. Autocracy: Historical Dictators Benito Mussolini Ruled Italy 1922-1945 Adolf Hitler Ruled Nazi Germany 1933-1945 (c) 20145

6. Autocracy Today Fidel Castro: Ruled Cuba for 49 years (1959 – 2008) (c) 20146

7. Monarchy England (1509-1547) Modern England (2014) (c) 20147 King Henry VIII ruled England from 1509 until his death Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, and Prince William with Duchess Kate

8. Democracy Literally, “democracy” means “rule of the people” Dates back 2400 years to Ancient Greece US is a representative democracy where voters elect representatives of their interest US also has some elements of direct democracy through initiative processes (measures on the ballot) Democracy in Ancient Greece (c) 20148

9. Democracy Requires frequent and fair elections that: – Express popular will – Select public officials – Make those elected accountable – Act as sanctions against the abuse of power – Provide for peaceful transfer of government Participating in elections is the responsibility of citizens! (c) 20149

10. 10 For more information, contact the League of Women Voters® of Oregon Education Fund www.VoteOregon.org/oregonmockelection mockelection@voteoregon.org; 503-581-5722