1. Bellwork
What kind of government does the U.S. have? Explain why.

2. Basic types of Government

3. Monarchy
Absolute Monarchies- A government totally controlled by a hereditary ruler, whose commands are law.
Constitutional Monarchies- A government with a hereditary “King or Queen” whose power within the government is limited by law. Often a “figurehead”.

4. Dictatorship
Dictatorship- A system of government which citizens have few rights and the government is controlled by an individual or a small group. Power is usually taken by force and held by fear.

5. Democracy
Democracy- A system of government where authority is based on the people’s consent.
Parliamentary Democracy- Type of democracy where the executive is chosen by the legislature and serves at their leisure.
Presidential Democracy- Type of democracy where the executive is independently chosen and acts as a separate, independent branch.

6. Theocracy
Theocracy- A form of government in which the leaders of an organized religion have influence over government policy.

7. Explain the major difference between Presidential and Parliamentary democracy.