1. Chapter 1.3
Types of Government

2. Major Types of Government
Government may be classified according to who governs the state.
Autocracy: power & authority reside in a single individual
Oldest & most common
Totalitarian dictatorship
Hitler
Monarchy
Absolute or Constitutional

3. Major Types of Government
Oligarchy: small group holds power in government
Wealth, military power, social position
Democracy: the people hold the sovereign power of government
Direct or Representative

4. DISCUSSION QUESTION
What technological advances allow modern dictators to have more practical power over a country than Louis XIV did?

5. Characteristics of Democracy
Individual Liberty
Equal opportunity to develop talents to the fullest
Majority Rule with Minority Rights
Government is based on majority rule, but respects the rights of minorities
Free Elections
Free & open
Every citizen has right to participate
Every vote has equal weight

6. Characteristics of Democracy cont’d.
Competing Political Parties
Choose candidates for office
Respect the voters’ decisions
Act as loyal opposition

7. Soil of Democracy Active Citizen Participation Favorable Economy
Widespread Education
Strong Civil Society
Social Consensus