Read the following situations, decide whether it is more likely to occur under a
democratic or authoritarian government.
1. While voting in a national election, Michael sees that his ballot contains the
name of only one candidate for president.
2. After engaging in a series of illegal activities while in office, President Smith
faces impeachment, a formal accusation by the House of Representatives.
3. As editor of a major newspaper, Stephanie must submit all articles to a
government official for approval before publishing them.
4. While talking with friends, Ryan makes insulting comments about the
president. The next morning Ryan is arrested and thrown in jail for his
comments.
5. Maria has served for more than two decades in the legislature, but this fall a
well-financed opponent from a rival political party plans to run against her in
the election.
6. Daniel agrees with the views of a candidate running for congress and
volunteers to work in the candidate’s campaign.
Types of Government
U.S. Government
Mr. Hare
Systems of Government
Unitary System – a government that
gives all key powers to the national or
central government
- Easy for central government to
implement changes
- Local governments have little say
Systems of Government
Confederate System – a loose union of
independent states
- Weak central power is a disadvantage
- Each state is kind of independent =
advantage
Systems of Government
Federal System – a government that
divides the powers of government
between the national government and
state or provincial government
- Shares powers among different levels
of government while maintaining more
centralized power than a confederacy
Systems of Government
Constitutional Governments – a government in which a constitution has authority
to place clearly recognized limits on the powers of those who govern
Constitution – a plan that provides the rules for government
- Important but incomplete guides on how a country should operate
Major Types of Government
Authoritarian Government
Authoritarian – controlling all aspects of citizens’ economic, political, and
social lives
Totalitarian – a system of government in which the government has total
control
Major Types of Government
Authoritarian Government
Dictatorship – a system of government in which power is in the hands of one
person who has total control
Oligarchy – a system of government in which a small group holds power
Major Types of Government
Monarchy – a system of government in
which a king, queen, or emperor
inherits and exercises supreme powers
of government
Constitutional monarchies – powers of
the king or queen are limited by the
law
Major Types of Government
Democratic Governments
Democracy – government in which the people rule
Direct democracy – government in which all citizens cast a vote directly on
government issues and laws
Major Types of Government
Democratic Governments
Democracy – government in which the people rule
Direct democracy – government in which all citizens cast a vote directly on
government issues and laws
Indirect or representative democracy – the people elect representatives and
give them the responsibility to make laws and conduct government
Republic – a government in which voters hold sovereign power; elected
representatives, responsible to the people, exercise that power
Principles of Democracy
Citizen Participation
Regular Free and Fair Elections
Accepting the Results of Elections
The Rule of Law – no one is above the law
Majority Rule with Minority Rights - If the majority try to deny rights to the
minority, it is no longer a democracy
Principles of Democracy
Accountability - Elected officials should make decisions and perform duties based
on the wishes of the people they represent
Transparency - People must be aware of the government’s actions or it cannot be
held accountable
Limited Government and a Bill of Rights - Protects the people from a government
that might abuse its power
Control of the Abuse of Power - The executive, legislative, and judicial branches
have “checks and balances” to ensure one doesn’t abuse power
Principles of Democracy
Economic Freedom - Government allows individuals to own property and
businesses
Equality
Individual or Human Rights
Independent Judiciary - Courts and judicial systems should be fair and impartial
Competing Political Parties - To have a democracy more than one political party
must participate in elections and play a role in government
Evaluate how well the country, state, county, and town are
doing in regards to the Principles of Democracy
• Divide into six groups
•
•
•
•
U.S. = 2 groups
Texas = 2 groups
County = 2 groups
City = 2 Groups
• Give your level of government a score for six principles
•
•
•
•
3 = working well
2 = needs work
1 = not working well
Provide an explanation for each
• If you need more info regarding the Principles of Democracy, p.18-21 in text