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Warm-Up Types of Governments

Lesson Question

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WK2 Words to Know

Fill in this table as you work through the lesson. You may also use the glossary to help you.

federal a system that divides power between a national

government and state governments

autocracy a government in which one person rules

democracy a government ruled by its citizens

Lesson Goals

Learn about types of

government.

Describe the differences

oligarchies

between

and autocracies.Explore the advantages and disadvantages of

democracy .

different types of

Learn how federal, confederal, and

unitary systems differ.

How are types of governments different around the world?

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Warm-Up Types of Governments

WK2

Governments around the World

Mohammed VI,

King of Morocco

President of the United States

Tribal leaders in

Afghanistan

Words to Know

monarchy a government ruled by a person who has inherited that authority

oligarchy a government ruled by a small, elite group

theocracy a government ruled by religious authorities

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Types of GovernmentsInstruction

Three Basic Structures

A government follows one of three basic structures in dividing its power:

• Confederal systems

• Unitary systems

• Federal systems

The Confederal System

In a confederal system, power is distributed equally among units, such as states.

• Each unit functions independently .

• The units agree to work together to meet mutual needs.

• There is little or no central authority.

StateState State

The Unitary System

In a unitary system, all government power is held by a central government.

• Local offices must follow decisions made by the central government.

Central government

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Types of GovernmentsInstruction

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Dictatorships

• In a dictatorship, one leader holds absolute power.

• The leader typically gains power through force .

• A dictator uses propaganda to get public support.

The Federal System

In a federal system, government power is divided between a central government and states.

• States have some independence.

• The central government and smaller units influence each other.

StateState State

Central government

Autocratic Systems of Government

An autocracy is ruled by one leader.

Dictatorship

Types of autocracies

Monarchy

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Types of GovernmentsInstruction

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Monarchies

In a monarchy, a king or a queen leads a country.

• Power is passed down through the family .

• Some monarchs hold absolute power .

Oligarchic Systems of Government

An oligarchy is a government ruled by a small, elite group.

Types of oligarchies

Communism Theocracy

Communism

A communist government is ruled by a political party.

• Communism is an economic and political system in which

property and the means of production are owned by the people.

• In practical terms, this system of government gives control to

party leaders.

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Types of GovernmentsInstruction

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Direct Democracy

In a direct democracy, all citizens have a vote on government policy.

• The city of Athens in ancient Greece was an early example of this type of government.

The Limits of Direct Democracy

Direct citizen involvement can be complicated.

• It is difficult to accomplish with large groups.

• It is hard to use with complex government responsibilities.

Theocracy

A theocracy is ruled by religious leaders.

• They claim to act with divine authority.

• They use religious laws to govern citizens.

Democracy

In a democracy, the government gets its power from the will of the people .

• In a direct democracy, all people take part in government

decisions directly.

• In a representative democracy, people choose leaders who

make decisions.

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Types of GovernmentsInstruction

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Representative Democracy

In a representative democracy, citizens elect leaders who serve in a

legislature .

• The power of government is limited by a constitution , which also protects the rights of the people.

Comparing and Contrasting: Representative Democracies

There are two contrasting types of representative democracies.

Parliamentary system

• A prime minister serves as

chief executive.

• The leader of the party with the

most seats becomes prime

minister.

• Prime ministers can greatly influence their government.

Presidential system

• A president serves as chief

executive.

• Citizens vote for a president

directly .

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Summary Types of Governments

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Answer

(Sample answer) Governments around the world differ based on who holds power and how that power is structured.

Review: Government Structures

Confederal States work together but stay independent of each other.

Federal A national government shares power with state governments.

Unitary A national government holds all the power.

Lesson Question How are types of governments different around the world?

2Slide

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Summary Types of Governments

Review: Types of Rule

Autocracy Oligarchy Democracy

Rule by one person

• Dictatorship

• Monarchy

Rule by a few

• Communism

• Theocracy

Rule by many

• Direct democracy

• Representative democracy

Use this space to write any questions or thoughts about this lesson.

2Slide