Political Systems of Government

Political Systems of Government
MGySgt Dalvin L. Bailey

This lesson discusses the different forms of government.

Lesson Objectives Distinguish between various forms of political governments including democracy, republic, monarchy, theocracy, and totalitarian. Provide examples of various forms of political governments including democracy, republic, monarchy, theocracy, and totalitarian.

Key Words __________ – means “of the people.” Refers to a method of governing that allows the people to make the decisions. ____________ – the British form of government which has two legislative houses, only one of which is elected by the people. _________ – a form of rule in which there is a single head of state, a monarch, with the title of King or Queen. Democracy Parliamentary Monarchy

Key Words _________ – a society which is ruled by priests who represent a god. ____________ – a political system where there is only one political party which controls everything and does not allow any opposition. Theocracy Totalitarianism

Warm Up Question How interested are you in learning about political systems of government? Extremely – This is one of my favorite subjects. Very – This would be in my “Top 10” topics list. Somewhat – This topic is somewhat interesting to me. Not at all – This topic is not very interesting to me, but I will focus and find something useful for me. Example:

Warm Up Question True or False:
The term democracy originated in ancient Rome. True False Example: Greece

Democratic Forms of Government
The American form of democracy evolved from the political thinking of philosophers such as John Locke Jean Jacques Rousseau English French

One aspect of our democracy is that we are a two political party system. Remember Democracy means “of the people.” Refers to a method of governing that allows the people to make the decisions.

The United States is presentative of democracy government, split into two major parties. It is much easier to make decisions in smaller groups.

Republican Party Republican Party Wealthier backgrounds Rural
Believe in individualism Republican Party Lower tax rates Democratic

Democratic Party Democratic Party More average backgrounds
Urban, more modest income Believe in greater support Democratic Party If higher taxes, more for wealthy Republican

Parliamentary Types of Government
Great Britain is an example of a Parliamentary Government.

The British form of government has two houses, one is elected by the people called the Lower House.

The other is called the Upper House or Senate which is appointed by a different mechanism from the lower house.

Lesson Question As a representative democracy, it is much easier to do what? Make decisions in small groups Vote Become a senator Create laws

Lesson Question What does the word Democracy mean? Make decisions Vote
Of the people Create laws

Lesson Question What country is representative of democracy ? Germany
Russia Great Britain United States

Lesson Question What country is a example of Parliamentary Government ? Germany Russia Great Britain United States

Lesson Question Who selects the Upper House or Senate in a Parliamentary Government? Lower House Voters Congress Law makers

Monarchies A monarch is a system of government in which one person reigns, usually a king Queen Elizabeth II Queen of the United Kingdom King George VI

Monarchies or Queen Queen Elizabeth II Queen of the United Kingdom

Monarchies The authority, or crown, in a monarchy is generally inherited. Governing powers of the monarch are restricted by a constitution A monarch holds his or her title for life

Monarchies An absolute monarchy is when a monarch rules with full legislative, executive, and judicial powers unlimited by a constitution.

Absolute Monarchies Qatar

Absolute Monarchies Qatar
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Emir of the State of Qatar

Qatar Qatar maintains close business and financial relations with the USA and Saudi Arabia. In 2006, Qatar pledged more than $100 billion to Hurricane Katrina relief to colleges and universities in Louisiana.

Absolute Monarchies United Arab Emirates

Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the United Arab Emirates

Absolute Monarchies Andorra

Antoni Martí Prime Minister of Andorra

Absolute Monarchies Brunei
Located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia Prime Minister of Andorra

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah He has an estimated net worth of $20 billion

Absolute Monarchies Oman

Qaboos Bin Said Al Said Sultan of Oman Oman, a nation on the Arabian Peninsula

Absolute Monarchies Swaziland

Mswati III, Ingwenyama King of Swaziland

Absolute Monarchies Vatican City

Pope Francis

Theocracy – Rule be Religion
Iran is an example of a theocracy. Today, Iran is a theocratic Islamic republic governed under a constitution. The country has an elected president, but he is under the influence of the Islamic religious advisory board. He is also the leader of the Islamic Revolution.

Totalitarianism – Absolute Power
A totalitarian government represses all forms of disagreement and opposition. An example of a country with this government is Cuba. This type of government centralizes state planning and administration of the economy. It also employs censorship of the mass media.

Closing Questions CPS Lesson Question Example:

Lesson Question How is authority, or crown, in a monarchy gained?
Senate Congress Inherited Law makers

Lesson Question How long does an monarch hold his or hers title?
10 years Life 8 years 50 years

Lesson Question Which form of government represses all forms of disagreement? Totalitarianism Monarchy Democracy Parliamentary Example:

Lesson Question What country is an example of a theocracy? England
Africa Germany Iran Example:

Lesson Question What country pledged more than $100 billion to Hurricane Katrina relief to colleges and universities in Louisiana? Qatar Africa Germany Iran Example:

(Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question)
Closing Question List 2-3 things you learned about political systems of government that you did not already know. (Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question)

Questions