1. Unit 1 Basis of Government
Forms of Government
Unit 1 Basis of Government

2. Ways to classify government
Types of Government can be classified in 3 main ways
Who can participate
Distribution of power within the state (country)
Relationship between the legislative (law makers)and executive (law enforcers) branches

3. Who can participate?
Democracy- EVERYONE (essentially) The political authority is held by the people. The people hold complete power and government is only conducted with the consent of the people.

4. Types of Democracy
Democracy can be direct- every single person votes for everything Ex. Ancient Rome
Problems with this?
Benefits?
Indirect- Representative Democracy. A small group of people that are voted in by the people make decisions for the state. These people responsible for carrying out day to day government. Example?
Problems?

5. Who can participate?
Dictatorship- Only chosen people can participate. Government does not have to answer to the people
Autocracy- Single person holds power
Examples?
Oligarchy- Power is held in the hands of a few (usually elite, military, religious group)
Dictatorships often appear to be democratic in nature. Have “elections” that are fixed
Often militaristic- use force to keep power

6. Where is the power located?
Unitary- Power is centralized in a single central agency
National Government creates local governments or agencies only for their own convenience. Local gov’t has little power
Federal- Power is divided between the central government and state or local governments. There is a division of power that is set and cannot be changed. Ex. USA

7. Where is the power located?
Confederate government- alliance of independent states. Central government has LITTLE power. Power lies with state and local agencies
Ex. European Union

8. Relationship Between Legislative and Executive Branches
Presidential- Separation of powers between the executive and legislative branch
People choose (vote) for a president and people vote for legislators independently. Executive is not controlled by legislature
Ex. USA

9. Relationship Between Legislative and Executive Branches
Parliamentary- Executive is made up of prime minister and cabinet. Prime minister is chosen FROM the legislature
A member of the legislature is VOTED by the legislature to be the prime minister
Ex. Great Britain
What are the benefits/drawbacks of a parliamentary system?

10. Questions Can a country be both democratic and an autocracy?
Can a country be a federal democracy?
Can a country be a unitary presidential form of government?