Scribd
Upload
104 views19 pages

Government 16-17

The document discusses different systems of government and types of political power. It begins by defining government as a system that distributes political power, and examines theories around why people consent to governments. It then categorizes three basic forms of government based on who holds power: autocracy (one ruler), oligarchy (small group), and democracy (majority rule). The document further explores limited vs unlimited forms of power and defines what makes someone a citizen. It proceeds to outline several major world government types - absolute and constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy, presidential democracy, republic, communism, military dictatorship, theocracy - and whether each exercises limited or unlimited power.

Uploaded by

api-262620172
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
104 views19 pages

Government 16-17

The document discusses different systems of government and types of political power. It begins by defining government as a system that distributes political power, and examines theories around why people consent to governments. It then categorizes three basic forms of government based on who holds power: autocracy (one ruler), oligarchy (small group), and democracy (majority rule). The document further explores limited vs unlimited forms of power and defines what makes someone a citizen. It proceeds to outline several major world government types - absolute and constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy, presidential democracy, republic, communism, military dictatorship, theocracy - and whether each exercises limited or unlimited power.

Uploaded by

api-262620172
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 19

World

Governments
Think about it:
What is government and
why do we have it?
Government is all about
POWER!
• Who has the
power?
• What can/can’t
they do with that
power?
Systems of government =
how power is split among
people and rulers
Social Contract Theory
Gov’t

Replace or Overthrow
Misuse of Power

Give Protection
Power of Rights

People
Categories of Government
 There are 3 basic categories of
government:
1. Autocracy – ruled by 1 person
2. Oligarchy – ruled by a small group
3. Democracy – Majority rules
 Absence of government = anarchy
 Example: Somalia in the 1990s
There are TWO types of
governments:
1. Limited: power of the Head of
State is limited and peoples’ rights
are protected.
2. Unlimited: power of the Head of
State is not limited. The peoples’
rights are not protected, but are at
the will of the leader.
What is a citizen?
 Definition: a native or naturalized
member of a state or nation who owes
allegiance to its government and is
entitled to its protection
 How do you become a citizen?
 Born in a country
 Go through the citizenship process (varies
by country)
 What is the role of citizens in the
government?
Major World
Government
Types
Absolute Monarchy
 Ruled by a king, queen, or emperor
 Their rule is inherited (passed down)
 EXAMPLE: Saudi Arabia

King Prince

 Limited or Unlimited?
Constitutional Monarchy
 Ruled by a king, queen, or emperor– only
a figure head or symbol for the country
 Their rule is inherited.
 Part of a political system that has a
constitution (formal plan of government)
 EXAMPLE: Japan
Emperor
& Empress

 Limited or Unlimited?
Parliamentary Democracy
 Led by a Prime Minister
 Citizens vote for
representatives of a political
party in parliament.
 The parliament majority
party appoints a prime
minister.
 Elections can be called at
any time.
 EXAMPLES: India & South
Africa India's Prime Minister

 Limited or Unlimited?
Presidential Democracy
 Led by a President
 Chosen by an electoral
college or a direct
popular vote by the
people
 Elections are held at a
certain interval of time
President Obama  EXAMPLES: USA,
France, & South Korea

 Limited or Unlimited?
Republic
 Any form of government whose leader or
leaders are elected, usually for a specific term
of office.
 Led by elected official(s) – Titles vary
 Example: Ancient Rome

 Limited or Unlimited?
Communism
 Led by a Premier or
President
 Leader is appointed
through the one-party
system
 Members all belong
to one-party and are
appointed up through
the system.
Premier Mao Zedong
 EXAMPLE: China

 Limited or Unlimited?
Military Dictatorship
 Ruled by a general or President
 Ruling person or group usually takes
control by force, but some are appointed
through the ruling system.
 EXAMPLES: North Korea

Military Dictator

 Limited or Unlimited?
Theocracy
 Led by a religious ruler- priest or other
representative of a “higher power”
 Leader is appointed or said to be chosen
by God or another “higher power”
 Laws are based on the chosen religion
 EXAMPLE: Iran
President and Supreme Ruler

 Limited or Unlimited?
Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyTbyn7npOc
Political Systems Explained...

...using Cows!

You might also like