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

Most governments have a constitution, the United StatesHas one as well.

Constitution – System of basic rules that organized the government

But what kind of powers does a government have?

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 Authoritarian

Citizens hold power Ruled by king/queen

Rules by single person or small group

Limited Power Power can be limited or unlimited

Unlimited Power

Citizens select leaders to pass laws

Power is given 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