1. Governmental Systems:
Enlightenment and Revolution

2. Good Morning!
The last two days we have focused on economic systems, but today we will examine government systems.
What is the difference between the economy and the government?

3. Absolute Monarchy Monarch is King/Queen, Tsar, Emperor, Shah, etc.
Monarch has absolute, or total, control over subjects
Monarch’s power comes from divine right, or through the will of God
Royal bloodline of high importance
Citizens have no role in choosing their leader
Generally, the Monarch has a group of advisors to help make decisions
Citizens may face punishment if they express criticism
Modern Day Example: Saudi Arabia

4. Constitutional Monarchy
King/Queen’s power’s are limited; “limited monarchy”
Citizens and Parliament, or the law- making branch of government, have rights guaranteed under a Constitution
Monarch and Parliament share power
Modern-Day Example: Great Britain

5. Presidential Democracy
Voters elect Executive (President) and Legislative Branch (Parliament or Congress) separately
There is a separation of powers and checks and balances, so that no single branch becomes too powerful
Modern Day Example: U.S.A.

6. Democracy Presidential Parliamentary Voters Elect Voters Elect
Executive & Legislative
Parliamentary
Voters Elect
Legislative Branch (Parliament)
Parliament selects
head of Executive Branch (Prime Minister)

7. Parliamentary Democracy
Voters elect Legislature, or Parliament
Parliament selects the chief Executive, or Prime Minister
Prime Minister leads Parliament and carries out its laws
Parliament may remove Prime Minister and/or cabinet (P.M.’s advisors) from office
Most popular system of government
Modern Day Example: Canada

8. Dictatorship Single ruler, or Dictator, has absolute power
A dictatorship will begin when a person either
Seizes control by force (coup d'état or military revolution)
Takes additional power after being elected
Citizens generally have very few rights
Dissent is generally not tolerated b/c of fear of severe punishment
Modern Day Example: North Korea

9. Theocracy Religious leaders rule a nation and impose religious law
No tolerance for other forms of religion, traditions, and customs
Modern day example: Iran

10. Where have you head the word the “totalitarian” before
Where have you head the word the “totalitarian” before? What do you think it means?
Does it have anything to do with dissent?
If so, what is the difference between totalitarianism and absolutism?
Which of these systems tolerate dissent and which do not?

11. Do NOT tolerate dissent
Constitutional Monarchy
Presidential Democracy
Parliamentary Democracy
Do NOT tolerate dissent
Absolute Monarchy
Dictatorship
Theocracy

12. Totalitarianism vs. Democracy
Advantages
Quick, efficient decision- making
Stability, order, security
Disadvantages
Must sacrifice natural rights and civil liberties
Cannot select leader
No minority rights
No access to unbiased news/information— everything is state-run
Democracy
Advantages
“General Will” of the majority
Citizens select leader
Citizens have natural rights
Citizens can voice political dissent
Disadvantages
Is majority always correct?
SLOW decision-making (can this be good as well?)
“Tyranny of the majority”?
Are minority rights protected?