Formation of Governments

Government Systems

• Unitary system- All key powers given to a national or central governments

• Federal system- power is divided between a national government and state government

• US started with a confederacy or loose association between the states

• Need something better

Constitution

• Plan for the rule of a government• 1. Ideals and values of nation• 2. Basic powers and structure of government• 3. Provides supreme law of the land• Constitutional Government_- government that

is limited to the powers given to it by its Constitution. Protection of people’s rights!!!!

Formation of government

• Constitutions- not always complete- amendments can be added to U.S

• Not always followed- China• Preamble- Goals and purposes set out for the

government• Framework- Articles• Highest Law- Constitutional Law• Constitutional law- interpretation &

constitutionality of laws- SUPREME COURT

Section 3

Types of Government

Major types of Government

• 1.Autocracy- rule by one person• 2. Oligarchy- Rule by a few persons• 3. Democracy- rule by many people• Autocracy- one of the oldest types of govt• Maintained power by inheritance or force• Totalitarian dictatorship- Single leader

controlling all aspects of society.• Examples?

Govt Types

• Monarchy- king, queen, or emperor• Absolute Monarchy- royalty has all the power.• Examples?• Constitutional Monarchy- England, the

Netherlands, Sweden, Japan• Not much power to monarchs• Tradition and figure heads

Oligarchy

• Small group holds power• Power usually comes from wealth, military

power, social status, sometimes religious position

• Communist nations – China, Cuba, Venezuela• Usually claim “rule for the people”• Hugo Chavez – great example• Russia- Vladimir Putin

Democracy

• Rule of the people. Consent of the people!!!• People hold sovereign power- responsible for

making government live up to its job!!!!!!• Examples of this???• Direct democracy- people govern themselves

by voting on issues individually.• Representative Democracy- Elect officials to

represent us and vote for us

Republic

• Voters are the source of power.• Representatives are accountable to the

people.• Elections and impeachment• No one above the law.• Belief in limited government• AKA- representative democracy, republic,

constitutional republic, democratic republic

Characteristics of Democracy

• Individual liberties- Bill of Rights• Majority rule with minority rights• Protection against tyranny of majority• Can be tricky balance• Japanese internment of WWII, 911 pressures

against Muslims• Immigrants today

Free Elections

• Ability to voice opinions and exercise our power as citizens. Right is taken for granted!!

• 1.One person, one vote. Idea that all votes carry equal weight in elections.

• 2.Candidates opportunity to voice opinions • 3.Citizens free to help candidates- $$ or help• 4. Legal requirements to safeguard voting• 5. Secret ballot with no fear or coercion

Competing Parties

• Political Parties- group of individuals with broad common beliefs who organize to nominate candidates.

• US- 2 party system (Dems & Republicans)• Others?????• Good or bas that we just have 2 real parties?

Democracy Thriving

• 1. Active participation by citizens- voting and holding politicians accountable

• 2. Favorable free enterprise economy• 3. Widespread education- intelligent people• 4. Social consensus- general acceptance of

values and role of government• Strong civil society- many independent groups

that remain separate from government.