1. A Look at Limited and Unlimited Governments
POWER PLAY
A Look at Limited and Unlimited Governments

2. Agree or Disagree?
The president of the United States has complete control of the U.S. government.
The governor of Texas must drive the speed limit when driving in Texas.
President Obama does not have the to follow the same laws as you and me.
In a dictatorship, the leader does not have to follow the same laws as its citizens.
The United States has a limited government.

3. Lesson Objective
Today you will learn about two types of governments; limited and unlimited

4. Draw a T-Chart
Limited Unlimited

5. Limited Government
A type of government where the leaders have limited power and must follow the same laws all citizens follow .

6. Unlimited Government
A type of government where the leaders have no limits to their power.

7. Characteristics of Limited Government
Power of government has a constitution or other written law - LIMITED power
Leader follows same laws as all citizens.
Courts treat everyone as equal
Peaceful change of leaders
Free and open media
Regular elections and majority rules
Individuals have basic rights such as freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion.
Usually a well educated population

8. Characteristics of Unlimited Government
Control is completely with the ruler(s). They have UNLIMITED powers
Government leaders do not have to follow the same rules as regular citizens
Courts do not treat everyone as equal
People who disagree with the government are arrested
Military is very powerful
Poor education for some or most of the population
Citizens do not have basic political rights, such as freedom of religion, or freedom to travel

9. Unlimited Governments
Card Sort Answers
Limited Governments
Unlimited Governments
Citizens or their elected representatives can remove elected officials from office.
The media, newspaper, magazines and television can freely report news from around the world.
A national constitution limits the power of government.
Individuals have basic rights such as freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion.
Democratic-republic government
Well-educated population
People who disagree with the government are arrested.
The military shuts down newspapers and decides who can run in an election.
Totalitarian government
Low literacy rate
Citizens must have permission from the government to leave the country
Citizens have few individual rights

10. Critical Thinking Questions
What are reasons citizens would want to limit the power of their government?
If you were a citizen of an unlimited government, describe your freedoms?
If you were a citizen of a limited government, describe your freedoms?

11. Agree or Disagree?
The president of the United States has complete control of the U.S. government.
The governor of Texas must drive the speed limit when driving in Texas.
President Obama does not have the to follow the same laws as you and me.
In a dictatorship, the leader does not have to follow the same laws as its citizens.
The United States has a limited government.

12. Role Play - Assessment
In groups of 3-5, create a role play of a limited or unlimited government.
Have your classmates determine which type of government your perform?