1. September 17, 2012 Monday
BELLWORK: If you could change one thing about our government, what would it be? Explain your answer.
OBJECTIVE: SWBAT identify different forms of government based on three criteria.
AGENDA:
Finish Chapter 1 – Section2 Guided Notes
HOMEWORK: Chapter 1 – Section 2 Worksheet (Due Tomorrow)

2. Chapter 1 – Section 2 “Forms of Government”
* There are no two governments in the world that are run exactly the same. To describe, analyze, and classify the different types of government, analysts have developed 3 different classifications:
Geographic distribution of government power
Relationship between the executive and legislative branch
The number of persons who can take part in the governing process

3. Geographic Distribution of Power
Unitary Government – A central government in which a single central agency holds all power. The central government creates local units of government for its own convenience.
Example: Great Britain
* Be careful not to confuse a Unitary government with a dictatorship

4. Federal Government – The powers of government are divided between a central government and several local governments. Both levels of government act directly on the people through their own sets of laws, officials, and agencies. Example: United States The U.S. Constitution creates this division of power which cannot be changed.

5. Confederate Government – An alliance of independent states
Confederate Government – An alliance of independent states. The central government only has the power which the states give it. Confederations have been rare in the modern world. Example: European Union (EU) U.S.A. under the Articles of Confederation And the Confederate States of America during the Civil War

6. Relationship Between Executive and Legislative Branch
Presidential Government – A separation of power between the executive and the legislative branch of government. The two branches are independent and co-equal. The executive is chosen by the people separate from the legislature.
Parliamentary Government –The executive is made up of a prime minister or premier. The prime minister is a member of the legislative branch. The executive is chosen by the legislative branch, not the people.

7. Who Can Participate
Democracy –Supreme political authority is given to the people. Government is conducted only with the consent of the people.
1. Direct Democracy – The will of the people is translated into public policy directly by the people themselves.
* Does not exist at the national level anywhere in the world today.
2. Representative Democracy – Also known as an indirect democracy. A small group of elected officials carry out the day to day operations of government.

8. Dictatorship -A single person in power holds all authority and power
Dictatorship -A single person in power holds all authority and power. Also known as autocracies or oligarchies. *This is the oldest and most common form of government known in history. These governments exercise complete power over nearly every aspect of human life. Examples: Nazi Germany, former Soviet Union, and the People’s Republic of China

9. Thinking Critically
What form of government do you think would be best for a country that is overpopulated (ex. China)? Would democracy work? Why/Why not? Be sure to support your answer with details from the guided notes above.