Forms of GovernmentChapter 1 Section 2

Objectives Classify governments according to 3 sets

of characteristics Define systems of government based on

who can participate Identify different ways that power can be

distributed, geographically, within a state Describe government by the distribution

of power between the executive branch and legislative branch

Objective Classify governments according to 3

sets of characteristics

Classifying Governments Classified 3 Ways:

Who can participate in governing Geographic distribution of power within

the state Relationship between legislative and

executive branches

Objective Define systems of government based on

who can participate

Who Can Participate Democracy

Authority rests with the people Direct

Public policy by people directly Only work in small communities

Indirect Voters choose representatives to govern on their behalf

Dictatorship Rulers not held responsible to the will of the people

Oldest and most common form historically Often totalitarian

Hold TOTAL and complete control over all aspects of life Autocracy – single person holds unlimited power Oligarchy – Power to rule by a small group (usually elite) Often look like a democracy

Objective Identify different ways that power can

be distributed, geographically, within a state

Geographic Distribution of Power Unitary Government

All power held by a central government Local government created to help govern

DO NOT CONFUSE WITH DICTATORSHIP – POWER LIMITED

Federal Government Powers divided between Central and Local

government Superior Force sets division – A CONSTITUTION

Cannot change without consent of both

Confederate Government Alliance of independent states

Central only has power that states have given it

Objective Describe government by the distribution

of power between the executive branch and legislative branch

Legislative and Executive Branches Presidential Government

Executive (president) and Legislative branches are separate and EQUAL to one another President and Legislature both chosen by the people

Term limits in place Fixed Powers – Separation of Powers – Checks and Balances

Parliamentary Government Executive Branch

Prime Minister – Cabinet Chosen by Legislature – Members of the Legislature Remain in office as long as supported by majority in legislature

Legislative Branch Elected by Majority vote of public

By far most common form – WHY??? Government deadlock doesn’t exist