TYPES of GOVERNMENT

 

Autocracy 

System of government in which one person has all the authority and power to rule. Used for dynastic kings and emperors who exercised personal rule and maintained power through army and police power.

Last true autocrats were the czars of Russia who ruled until 1918. No group of nobles or church leaders had the power to check the czar’s will.

 

Monarchy•One person has great power; a king or queen or emperor inherits the throne and heads the state. •Unlike an autocrat, a monarch’s power has often been limited in some way by tradition or law. Absolute monarchyUnlimited power [Louis XIV in 1660s], in practice the same as autocracy.  Constitutional monarchyMonarch limited by law

Great Britain, Sweden, Japan and NetherlandsTheir rulers either share power with elected

legislatures or serve as ceremonial figures

 

Dictatorship

A single ruler; rules by force and dictate alone.

In modern times the result of a military coup or seizure of power

  

 

 

Totalitarianism [also fascism] The ruler attempts to control the total society [jobs, beliefs, types of people tolerated]

Hitler, Stalin

 

Oligarchy: Any system of government in which a small group holds power. Ancient Roman Republic was one because a few prominent Roman families dominated the Roman Senate. Oligarchs derive their power from their wealth, social position, military power, or a combination of these. China’s Communist power is an example. 

Junta Small group of military leaders who take over by force [Chile, Greece, Egypt [2011-12], Madagascar [2019-2014]  

Plutocracy Small group of people who rule by wealth. Roman Republic

 

Democracy: Rule by the people

• From the Greek:• Demos: people kratia: rule

Direct democracyAll citizens cast a vote directly on government issues and laws.

• Can only exist in a small community• Ancient Athenians/Massachusetts Town Meetings

Representative democracy [indirect]People elect representatives and give them the responsibility to make laws and conduct government. 

Assembly of the people’s representatives may be called a council, legislature, congress or a parliament.

 

republicThe head of state is not a king or queen, and voters elect representatives to run the nation’s government

•U.S. is a democratic republic 

Only a small percentage of the people might be empowered to vote.

 

Part II. Characteristics of Democracy  

A-Individual Liberty (main idea and benefits to society) 

•Not complete freedom

•People are as free as possible to develop own talents. To maximize own potential

Part II. Characteristics of Democracy

B-Majority Rule with Minority Rights (Define idea and explain why it’s important) Democracy requires that government decisions based on the will of the majority.

 The American concept of democracy includes a concern about the tyranny of the majority. The Constitution protects the rights of the minority, as well. [think discrimination; based on arbitrary characteristics: unfair, Japanese relocation camps during WWII: deprived Japanese citizens of their basic liberties  .         

 

Part II. Characteristics of Democracy  C-Free Elections (explain the characteristics)The authority to create and run the government rests with the people.Free and open electionsGive people chance to choose leaders and voice their opinions on various issues. Help ensure that public officials pay attention to the wishes of the people.  Characteristics: 1-each vote is equal [“One person, one vote.”2-All candidates can express their views freely3-citizens are free to help candidates4-Legal requirement for voting, such as age, residence and citizenship are kept to a minimum. Thus, racial, ethnic, religious and other discriminations cannot be used to restrict voting.5-Citizens vote by secret ballot without coercion or fear of punishment.         Competing Political Parties (examples and why important) Political party: A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS WITH BROAD COMMON INTERESTS WHO ORGANIZE TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE, WIN ELECTIONS, CONDUCT GOVERNMENT AND DETERMINE PUBLIC POLICY. 2000 Green Party Candidate Ralph Nader played big role in 2000 Pres. Elect. Mostly 2-party system throughout U.S. history. Rival parties make elections meaningful because they give voters a choice. Parties have another function in a democracy: They focus voters’ attention on the issues by debating them publicly. In democracies, the political party or parties that are out of power serve as a “loyal opposition.”

By criticizing the policies and actions of the party in power, they help make the party in power more responsible to the people.

 

Part II. Characteristics of Democracy  

 D-Competing Political Parties (examples and why important)

Political party: A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS WITH BROAD COMMON INTERESTS WHO ORGANIZE TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE, WIN ELECTIONS, CONDUCT GOVERNMENT AND DETERMINE PUBLIC POLICY. •2000 Green Party Candidate Ralph Nader played big role in 2000 Pres. Elect.•Mostly 2-party system throughout U.S. history.•Rival parties make elections meaningful because they give voters a choice.•Parties have another function in a democracy: They focus voters’ attention on the issues by debating them publicly. In democracies, the political party or parties that are out of power serve as a “loyal opposition.”

By criticizing the policies and actions of the party in power, they help make the party in power more responsible to the people.

 

III. Essential Elements for a Democracy 1-Citizenship ParticipationCitizens who are willing to participate in civic life vote, campaign, jury duty].A strong democracy is best maintained in nations where citizens inform themselves, actively participate in political campaigns.... 2-Favorable EconomyA prosperous economy distributes wealth to many members of societyA large middle class signals a good economy Too many poor: unstable

Free Enterprise: the freedom of private businesses to operate with minimal government regulations. 

 

 

3-Widespread EducationImportant for success of a democracy 

4-Strong Civil SocietyPrivate, non-governmental society.

o Includes voluntary associations: economic, political, charitable, religious....

American Red Cross, Humane Society, Sierra Club, NRA, churches, labor unions.

 It is through these associations that citizens can organize and make their views known.

o It gives citizens a means to take responsibility for protecting their rights and to learn about democracy by participating in it at a grass roots level

 

5-A Social Consensus•Where people accept democratic values such as individual liberty and equality for all. •People also must generally agree about the purpose and limits of government