1. Basics of American Government

2. Majority/Majority Rule
Majority means more than 50%
Majority Rule means the greatest number
Majority Rule with minority rights guarantees no tyranny of majority

3. Major Types of Governments
Autocracy
Oligarchy
Democracy

4. Autocracy One person has all the power
In the past it was kings, emperors and czars
Three different types
Monarchies
Totalitarian
Dictatorships

5. Types/Forms of Governments Totalitarian Regime
The government controls everything and the citizens have no power. People have little freedom in these societies.
Examples: Soviet Union Communist
Germany Fascist
In a Communist society, there is little freedom, but great equality
In a Fascist society, there is little freedom and little equality

6. Aristocracy/Monarchy
A person (King/Queen) runs the government because they were born into it
Absolute monarchy: king or queen is in complete control
Constitutional monarchy: king or queen is under the Constitution
England: Queen Elizabeth II is the symbolic leader today

7. Oligarchy A political system run by a few elite people
Their interests are in doing something to benefit themselves, not the people
They are usually self-appointed

8. Democracy Comes from the ancient Greeks-Aristotle
Power is in the hands of the people
There are two types of democracy
Direct Democracy
Representative Democracy

9. Direct Democracy
Citizens, not representatives make all of the decisions
That would mean that each of us would vote on every issue in government

10. Representative Democracy
This is the system we use in the United States
It creates a Republic, which means we elect people to represent us in our federal government (popular sovereignty)
It also means we have universal suffrage. Everyone who is a citizen has the right to vote.

11. Characteristics of Democracy
Free Elections
Competing Political Parties
Citizen Participation
A Favorable Economy
Widespread Education
A Strong Civil Society
A Social Consensus

12. Anarchy There is no government or laws, people govern themselves
It gives great freedom and equality but creates a weak state
This system has not really been recognized in politics

13. What is meant by citizen?
How has this changed since America became a country?
Only white male property owners
Slaves (15th amendment) 1870
Women (19th amendment) 1920

14. Divided Government
This has to do with the Executive and Legislative branches of government
The President is from one political party and the legislature is from another.
Currently in our United States government, we have a divided government
President Obama is a Democrat
Congress has a Republican majority

15. Liberal/Conservative
Liberals believe that things can be changed for the better, but the system is not unjust or broken and it can be changed through the political process. Considered left (Democratic)
Conservatives believe current structures are fine and do not see a need for change in institutions. Considered right (Republican)