1. Start-Up Read the quotation to the right and answer the following
questions:
What are some other forms of government you know about?
2. What are some of the positive or negative ways they compare with democracy?
3. Do you agree with Churchill’s view of democracy? Why or why not?

2. Thursday, September 1, 2016
Objective: Students will be able to describe and evaluate the different classifications of government.
Purpose: Societies have addressed the need for a government in many different ways, some which are radically different than our own government.

3. Who can Participate Democracy
political authority rests in the hands of the people
the government must have the approval of the people to govern
the government is to serve the interests of the people

4. Who can Participate Dictatorship
Government that is not accountable to the people
Often exercises complete authority over all aspects of society
Force is used to maintain power

5. Division of Power
Unitary System: all power is held by the national government
Examples: United Kingdom, France, Japan
Federal System: powers are shared between the national and state/provincial governments
Confederal System: alliance of independent states whose laws often do not apply to individuals without further action from members
Examples: European Union, African Union

6. Leader of government Presidential System
chosen by the people, independently of the legislature
holds office for a fixed term
has a number of significant powers that are not subject to the direct control of the legislative branch
Examples: United States, Mexico, Brazil

7. Leader of government Parliamentary System
led by a Prime Minister and the cabinet, who are members of the legislature
cabinet is required to have the support of more than half of the members of the legislature (this is called confidence)
remain in office only as long as their policies and administration have the support of a majority in parliament
if the government loses confidence, a new government must be formed or elections must be held
Examples: Canada, Italy, United Kingdom

9. Quickwrite
Answer the question on a separate piece of paper. Make sure your answer is at least half a page in length.
Which system is better, a presidential system or a parliamentary system? Explain your choice.