CHAPTER 1, SECTION 2:

FORMATION OF GOVERNMENTS

Government Systems

• There are two primary systems of government:

– Unitary system

• Gives key powers to the central government.

– Federal system

• Divides key powers between national and state government.

• The United States began its federal system by forming a confederacy.

– A confederacy is a loose union of independent states.

Government Systems (cont.)

Constitutions and Government

• A government’s constitution is an incomplete guide that provides a statement of goals and a framework for governing that draws its authority from the people.

• A constitutional government places limits on the powers of those who govern.

• A preamble is a statement that sets forth the goals and purposes that the government will serve.

• The main body of a constitution sets out the plan for government divided into articles and sections.

• Most written constitutions describe the procedure for amending, or changing, the constitution.

• Constitutional law is the field of law that studies questions on how to interpret the Constitution.

Constitutions and Government (cont.)

Politics and Government

• Politics refer to the struggle to control government and manage societal conflicts that could influence the lives of individuals.

• People participate in politics to:

– influence what benefits and services the government supplies and

– turn their values and beliefs into public policy.

• Politics can affect several key matters:

– Air and water quality

– Economic conditions

– Peace and war

– Citizen’s rights and freedoms

Politics and Government (cont.)

Politics and Government (cont.)

• The Framers of the Constitution worried that special interest groups–people united by special political interests–would hinder the launch of their new government.

• Global interdependence means that nations must interact or depend upon one another, especially economically and politically.

– There are two factors that contribute to global interdependence:

• Growing industrialization

• Rapid technological advances

Governing in a Complex World (cont.)

– Organizations of states of the world

• The five types of international organizations are:

– Nongovernmental organizations

Governing in a Complex World (cont.)

– National liberation organizations

– Terrorist organizations

– Multinational corporations

A. A

B. B

C. C

D. D A B C D

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Most governments’ constitutions

A. provide a comprehensive guide to all governing.

B. reflect exactly how that constitution is enforced.

C. communicate that government’s intentions, purpose and goals.

D. represent the “final word” of a government to prevent future modification.

A. A

B. B

C. C

In a unitary system of government all key powers belong to

A. the state.B. local government.C. central government.

A B C

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A. A

B. B

C. C

Which best illustrates a catalyst for growing global interdependence?

A. different values between nations

B. widespread use of the internet

C. abundant global resources

A B C

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A. A

B. B

C. C

D. D A B C D

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What is the effort to control or influence the conduct and policies of government called?

A. constitutional interpretations

B. judicial restraintC. judicial activismD. politics

Major Types of Government

• According to Aristotle the three major types of governments are:

• Autocracy:

– One person has all authority.

– A monarchy is another form of government in which a king, queen or emperor inherits the throne and heads the state.

Comparing Governments

• Oligarchy:

– A small group holds power.

– Oligarchs derive their power from wealth, social position, military power or a combination of these.

• Democracy:

– The people govern either directly or through representatives.

Major Types of Government (cont.)

– An assembly of people’s representatives may be called a council, a legislature, a congress or a parliament.

– In a republic voters elect representatives.

• Only a small percentage of people might be empowered to vote.

Major Types of Government (cont.)

Characteristics of Democracy

• A true democracy is defined by four characteristics:

1) Individual liberty

• All people are as free as possible to develop their talents.

2) Majority rule with minority rights

• Elected representatives enact laws that reflect the will of the majority of lawmakers.

• The rights of the minority are respected and protected.

3) Free elections

• Everyone’s vote carries the same weight.

• All candidates have the right to express their views freely.

• Citizens are free to help candidates or support issues.

Characteristics of Democracy (cont.)

• Legal requirements for voting are kept to a minimum.

• Citizens vote by secret ballot without coercion or fear of punishment.

4) Competing political parties

• A political party is a group of individuals with broad common interests organized to win elections, conduct government and determine public policy.

Characteristics of Democracy (cont.)

Essential Elements for a Democracy

• A successful democracy depends on five essential elements:

1. Citizen Participation

• Citizens must be willing to participate in civic life.

2. Favorable Economy

• The economy must be prosperous and distribute wealth to many members of society.

• Free enterprise is the freedom of private business to operate with minimal government regulation.

3. Widespread Education

• A democracy is more likely to succeed in countries where most people are educated.

Essential Elements for a Democracy (cont.)

• Civil society is made up of a network of voluntary associations—economic, political, charitable, religious, and many others that exist outside of government.

Essential Elements for a Democracy (cont.)

4. Strong Civil Society

5. Social Consensus

• A social consensus refers to a country where most people accept democratic values and generally agree about the purpose and limits of government.

Essential Elements for a Democracy (cont.)

A. A

B. B

C. C

Which of these characteristics indicate a democratic government?

A. The number of political parties is limited by government.

B. Minority rights are protected.

C. Participation in elections is limited to the elite. A B C

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A. A

B. B

C. C

D. D A B C D

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In an oligarchy power is

A. inherited by a monarch.B. held by representatives of

the people.C. held by a single leader

who rules by force.D. held by a small group

who rules because of wealth or social power.

A. A

B. B

C. C

Free enterprise is the freedom of private business to operate

A. with minimal government regulation.

B. according to rigid laws enacted by the state.

C. under the guidance of government regulation.

A B C

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Economic Theories• Capitalism—Emphasis on freedom of choice

and individual incentive• Socialism—Government owns means of

production, decides how to use resources, and distributes wealth more equally among people

• Communism—No recognized social classes; all property is held in common; government is unnecessary

• REVIEW SLIDES NEXT

Purposes of Government

1. Maintain social order

2. Provide public services

3. Provide national security

4. Make economic decisions

Government Systems• Unitary System—National or central

government holds all key powers• Federal System—Power is divided between

the national government and state or provincial governments

Characteristics of Democracy

1. Individual liberty

2. Majority rule with minority rights

3. Free elections

4. Competing political parties