1. 4.3: Political & Legal Environments
Political Systems
4.3: Political & Legal Environments

2. Political Systems Most countries consider themselves Sovereign States
Political Systems: Sets the laws under which businesses operate
Most countries consider themselves Sovereign States
Countries that are free from extreme control
A few countries consider themselves Protectorates
Countries that are under partial control of larger country
USA protectorates include Guam, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico & American Samoa.
Aruba - protectorate of The Netherlands.
British Virgin Islands - protectorate of Great Britain

3. Political Systems
Over the last 30 years there has been a strong shift towards democracy
117 countries have democracies
Types of Political Systems

4. Political Systems
Democracy - allows for direct elections by country’s citizens
Practiced in ancient Athens 5th century B.C. - only allowed direct voting by small percentage of population
Elections must be both free & fair to be democratic

5. Political Systems
Republic - citizens elect representatives who, in turn, vote on laws.
Roman empire was first republican form of government
Most democracies (such as the US) operate under this form
The difference between a democracy & a republic

6. Political Systems Examples: Communism in Cuba North Korea Vietnam
One-party state - allow only 1 political party.
Examples:
Communism in Cuba
North Korea
Vietnam
Mexico - 1 state for 70 years until 2003, & now multi-party democratic system.

7. Political Systems
Theocracy - religion or faith plays dominant role in government.
Often religious leaders have direct role in controlling government actions.
Examples include Iran, Saudi Arabia & Vatican City

8. Political System Assignment
Examples:
Girls annoying but helpful for insight
Assignment: Illustrate each political system so that a student can easily identify the political system you are describing & provide one characteristic of that system.
You will turn in 4 pictures
Can be cartoons, comic strips, election advertisements, etc..