Forms of Government
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FORMS OF GOVERNMENT
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Forms of Government. Autocracy. Oldest form of government Power in the hands of a single individual Examples: Monarch, Dictator. Oligarchy. Small group holds power China is an oligarchy—communist party and armed forces rule the country. Democracy. The people of a state share power - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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FORMS OF GOVERNMENT
Oldest form of governmentPower in the hands of a single individualExamples: Monarch, Dictator
AUTOCRACY
Small group holds powerChina is an oligarchy—communist party and armed
forces rule the country
OLIGARCHY
The people of a state share powerRule by the people
DEMOCRACY
In a direct democracy, the citizens govern themselves by voting on issues individually.
In a representative democracy , the people elect representatives and give them the power to make laws and run the government.
1. In a republic, elected representatives are responsible to the people. Representative democracy, republic, and constitutional republic mean the same thing to most people. However, not every democracy is a republic. For example, Great Britain is a democracy but not a republic.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF DEMOCRACY
CHARACTERISTICS OF DEMOCRACY
Individual Liberty: All people have an equal opportunity to develop and use their talents to the fullest extent possible
Majority Rule with Minority Rights: People usually accept decisions made by the majority of voters. The Constitution protects the rights of the minority.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DEMOCRACY
Free Elections: Everyone’s vote carries the same weight; all candidates have the right to express their view freely; citizens are free to help candidates or to support issues; legal requirements for voting are kept to a minimum; and citizens may vote by secret ballot.
Competing Political Parties: A political party is a group of individuals with broad common interest who organize to nominate candidate for offi ce, win elections, conduct government, and determine public policy.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DEMOCRACY
THE SOIL OF DEMOCRACY
Active Citizen Participation: Citizens who are able to inform themselves about issues, vote in elections, serve on juries, work for candidates, and run for government offi ce are more likely to maintain a strong democracy.
THE SOIL OF DEMOCRACY
A Favorable Economy: Democracy succeeds more in countries that do not have extremes of wealth and poverty and have a large middle class. Free enterprise also provides a base for making independent economic decisions in the United States. Since people control their economic lives, they are freer to make political decisions.
THE SOIL OF DEMOCRACY
Widespread Education: Democracy is more likely to succeed in a country with an educated public.
THE SOIL OF DEMOCRACY
Strong Civil Society: A civil society is a complex network of voluntary associations, economic groups, religious organizations, and many other kinds of groups that exist independently of government. Examples are labor unions, religious institutions and the Red Cross. These organizations give citizens a way to make their views known to government offi cials and the general public. They also give citizens a means to protect their rights and to learn about participating in democracy.
THE SOIL OF DEMOCRACY
A Social Consensus: A country where most people accept democratic values, such as individual liberty and equality, has a social consensus. A democratic country must also have general agreement about the purposes and limits of government.
THE SOIL OF DEMOCRACY
