2. Political Systems How Countries Organize their Governments

3. Why do we have government?

4. What is Government? And Why Do We Have It? A body that has the power to make and enforce laws in a given territory. So we don’t have anarchy. There are 3 main branches of government: –1. The legislative—makes the laws. –2. The executive—enforces the laws (king or president, etc.) –3. The Judicial—judges laws (judges and courts).

5. Monarchy Rule by a King or Queen The ruler leads until they die and then a relative—usually a son or daughter—is the new monarch.

6. Oligarchy Rule by a small amount of people— Usually the very rich. Ex—must own a certain amount of land or possess a certain amount of wealth to vote or be elected to office.

7. Theocracy When a religion controls the government and makes everybody follow religious practices whether they want to or not.

8. Dictatorship When somebody takes control of a country by force and rules until they die or are removed by force from a …. Coup—The sudden overthrow of a leader or government. (Without a war taking place).

9. Democracy There are 2 types: 1. Direct Democracy—Everybody can vote on everything. Example—The city-state of Athens. 2. Representative Democracy—People vote for politicians. The politicians then decide on what to do.

10. Republic Government without a king or queen. The leader is chosen by the people. Usually a representative democracy. The U.S. is a Republic.

11. Revolution In politics = war to overthrow a government. There are 2 types: A. = within a country (social) B. = Colony gaining independence (political).