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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