Foundation of Government and
Political Systems
What is government?
Government – group of people who have the power to
make and enforce laws for a country or area
But what kind of powers does a government have?
Most governments have a constitution, the United States
Has one as well.
Constitution – System of basic rules that organized the
government
Limited Vs. Unlimited government
Limited Government
Unlimited Government
Government actions limited
by law
No limits on the government
Works to protect the common
good
One ruler or a small group of
people make all the decisions
for the country
Provides for their people
Can lead to Tyranny – unjust
use of power
Political Systems
Vocabulary words
City-State – Independent state that has a city and
surrounding area
Empire – State containing several countries
Nation-State – State independent of a nation state
Political Systems - Examples
City-State of Greece
Roman Empire
Political Systems – Types of government
Democracy
Monarchy
Citizens hold power Ruled by
king/queen
Limited Power
Authoritarian
Rules by single
person or small
group
Power can be
Unlimited Power
limited or unlimited
Citizens select
Power is given
leaders to pass laws automatically to
family
Government owns
and controls all
property and all
aspects of life
Assignment
•
•
•
•
Break off into groups of 3 or 4
Refer to the handout about the different forms
of government
Your group will create a new country. Name it
whatever you like and decide where it is located
on the map
Decide what form of government you will use
and why. What will be your rules and laws