Read the following situations, decide whether it is more likely to occur under a democratic or authoritarian government. 1.While voting in a national.

Read the following situations, decide whether it is more likely to occur under a democratic or authoritarian government.1. While voting in a national election, Michael sees that his ballot contains the

name of only one candidate for president.2. After engaging in a series of illegal activities while in office, President Smith

faces impeachment, a formal accusation by the House of Representatives.3. As editor of a major newspaper, Stephanie must submit all articles to a

government official for approval before publishing them.4. While talking with friends, Ryan makes insulting comments about the president.

The next morning Ryan is arrested and thrown in jail for his comments.5. Maria has served for more than two decades in the legislature, but this fall a

well-financed opponent from a rival political party plans to run against her in the election.

6. Daniel agrees with the views of a candidate running for congress and volunteers to work in the candidate’s campaign.

Types of GovernmentU.S. Government

Mr. Hare

Systems of Government

Unitary System – a government that gives all key powers to the national or central government- Easy for central government to

implement changes- Local governments have little say

Systems of Government

Confederate System – a loose union of independent states- Weak central power is a disadvantage- Each state is kind of independent =

advantage

Systems of Government

Federal System – a government that divides the powers of government between the national government and state or provincial government- Shares powers among different levels of government while maintaining more centralized power than a confederacy

Systems of Government

Constitutional Governments – a government in which a constitution has authority to place clearly recognized limits on the powers of those who govern

Constitution – a plan that provides the rules for government- Important but incomplete guides on how a country should operate

Major Types of Government

Authoritarian GovernmentAuthoritarian – controlling all aspects of citizens’ economic, political, and

social livesTotalitarian – a system of government in which the government has total

control

Major Types of Government

Authoritarian GovernmentDictatorship – a system of government in which power is in the hands of one person who has total controlOligarchy – a system of government in which a small group holds power

Major Types of Government

Monarchy – a system of government in which a king, queen, or emperor inherits and exercises supreme powers of government

Constitutional monarchies – powers of the king or queen are limited by the law

Major Types of Government

Democratic GovernmentsDemocracy – government in which the people ruleDirect democracy – government in which all citizens cast a vote directly on

government issues and laws

Major Types of Government

Democratic GovernmentsDemocracy – government in which the people rule

Direct democracy – government in which all citizens cast a vote directly on government issues and laws

Indirect or representative democracy – the people elect representatives and give them the responsibility to make laws and conduct government

Republic – a government in which voters hold sovereign power; elected representatives, responsible to the people, exercise that power

Principles of Democracy

Citizen Participation

Regular Free and Fair Elections

Accepting the Results of Elections

The Rule of Law – no one is above the law

Majority Rule with Minority Rights - If the majority try to deny rights to the minority, it is no longer a democracy

Principles of Democracy

Accountability - Elected officials should make decisions and perform duties based on the wishes of the people they represent

Transparency - People must be aware of the government’s actions or it cannot be held accountable

Limited Government and a Bill of Rights - Protects the people from a government that might abuse its power

Control of the Abuse of Power - The executive, legislative, and judicial branches have “checks and balances” to ensure one doesn’t abuse power

Principles of Democracy

Economic Freedom - Government allows individuals to own property and businesses

Equality

Individual or Human Rights

Independent Judiciary - Courts and judicial systems should be fair and impartial

Competing Political Parties - To have a democracy more than one political party must participate in elections and play a role in government

Evaluate how well the country, state, county, and town are doing in regards to the Principles of Democracy• Divide into six groups• U.S. = 2 groups• Texas = 2 groups• County = 2 groups• City = 2 Groups

• Give your level of government a score for six principles• 3 = working well• 2 = needs work• 1 = not working well• Provide an explanation for each

• If you need more info regarding the Principles of Democracy, p.18-21 in text