Governance 2
Citizen Participation
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SSsCG4: The student will
compare and contrast various
forms of government.
•The student will tell how different
types of governments are the
same and how they are different.
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B. The student will explain
how governments
determine citizen
participation: autocratic,
oligarchic, democratic.
E.Q.
What are the roles and
rights of citizens in an
autocratic, an oligarchic,
and a democratic
government?
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People have different rights when it
comes to participating in government:
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In some countries, people hold the
power and elect their leaders or rulers.
They vote on their laws.
Because many people are involved in
making decisions, solving a problem or
responding to a crisis often takes a
long time.
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In some other countries, a small
group of people holds power.
Those that have wealth, own lots of
land, or have military support may
form this group.
If needed, these groups select one of
their own to be the leader.
Citizens have NO say in the laws or
government
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There are also those countries that
have only one ruler.
This type of ruler may come to
power through family bloodlines, like
a king or queen, or may be a dictator
in power because of military strength
Citizens have NO say in the laws or
government
Autocratic

Type of Rule: Single Ruler
(King,
Czar, Emperor, Dictator)

Who Holds the Power:
Unlimited power for the single ruler

Who Can Be Elected: NO ONE >
citizens have no choice in selecting a
ruler

Who Can Vote: NO CITIZEN
PARTICIPATION > no elections are
held
Oligarchic

Type of Rule: Small group of
select people who hold power due to
wealth, land, or military (will select a
member from this elite group to act
as ‘leader’ if necessary)

Who Holds the Power: Small
group of select people > group only
answers to each other

Who Can Be Elected: No one
outside the ruling group > the rulers
are selected by the group

Who Can Vote: NO CITIZEN
PARTICIPATION > leaders are
chosen from within the ruling group
and by the ruling group
Democratic

Type of Rule: Citizens of the
country
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Who Holds the Power: The
voters
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Who Can Be Elected: ANY
CITIZEN (with some restrictions like
age, incarceration, etc.)
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Who Can Vote: ANY CITIZEN
(with some restrictions like age,
incarceration, etc.)
Assessment
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4. In which types of government do
citizens have no voting rights?
• A. Autocracy & Democracy
• B. Oligarchy & Democracy
• C. Oligarchy and Autocracy
• D. Any of the three types of government
Assessment

F. An autocracy puts the power of
the government into the hands of:
• A. The citizens
• B. A single person
• C. The representatives
• D. A small group of people
Assessment
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S. How can autocratic rulers come to
power?
• A. By voter election
• B. By legislative election
• C. Through their bloodline
• D. By representative appointment
Assessment
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7. Which statement is TRUE about an
oligarchy?
• A. Anyone can lead
• B. Leaders are elected
• C. Laws protect the citizens
• D. A small group of people govern
Assessment

8. What is a basic way citizens of a
democratic nation can influence their
government?
• A. Voting
• B. Working
• C. Obeying laws
• D. Consuming goods
Assessment

9. Which type of government would
most likely abolish all opposing
political parties, the direct election of
leaders, and free speech?
• A. Republic
• B. Constitutional Monarchy
• C. Autocratic
• D. Representative Democracy
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10. You live in a small country ruled by one
man, who is also head of the military. The
only T.V. and radio stations you have are
owned and run by the government. You can
access the internet, but you can only see
certain governmentapproved websites.
Although your country has elections, you are
only allowed to vote for your current leader.
People who criticize or protest against the
government are jailed or executed…Which
form of government best describes the
government where you live?
•
•
•
•
A. Autocratic
B. Parliamentary
C. Democratic
D. Oligarchic