Lesson 1: Government and Democracy

What is government?• The role of government is to make decisions and

laws for the people living in its country, province, city or town.

• The purpose of government is to protect its citizens and provide services to support them.

How do governments compare?There are different types governments around the world and they can be compared in the following ways:

a) Who receives power/how power is sharedb) How they are formedc) The rights and freedoms provided to citizens

Autocracy• Autocracy = one person• A system of government run by a ruler with total power over

all aspects of life. • The ruler is called a dictator and often has the support of the

military – without permission of the people.• Citizens have few rights and freedoms.• Examples: North Korea, Syria, Kazakhstan.

Oligarchy• Oligarchy = select group of people• A system of government where the power rests with a few

people. • Power is determined by family or wealth.• Citizens have some rights and freedoms.• Examples: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait.

Democracy• Democracy = all people• A system of government in which power is shared by all

people. • Citizens have access to power and these countries have fair

elections.• Citizens have guaranteed rights and freedoms (e.g., the right

to vote, freedom of speech).• Examples: Canada, United States, Japan, Germany.

Theocracy• Theocracy = a god or deity is recognized as the main civil ruler• A system of government where government decisions are

made by religious leaders who are seen to be directly guided by a god or deity.

• Laws are interpreted by religious authorities and enforced by religious officials.

• Examples: Iran, Vatican City.

Canada’s Government• Canada is a democracy and a constitutional monarchy.• A constitutional monarchy can be either a democracy or an

autocratic state.• Canada is part of the British Commonwealth and is connected

to the Crown. The Queen of England is also Canada’s Queen.• The Queen accepts the decisions of the Canadian

Government, but she continues to play important ceremonial and symbolic roles.

Final Thoughts• What would life be like without a government?

• What are pros and cons of each type of government?

• Would you prefer to live in an autocracy or a democracy? Why?