Types of Government

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Types of Government

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Are You Aware?

• In some democracies, people shake their heads and
  say with a sigh, Ive never seen our country in
  such bad shape.
• This never happens in Germany

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I. Major Types of Government(p. 18-20)

• Governments may be classified according to who
  governs the state.
• Autocracy power and authority reside in a single
  individual (i.e. dictatorship, absolute
  monarchy).
• Oligarchy A small group holds power in the
  government (Communist China).
• Democracy The people hold sovereign power of
  government (United States, Great Britain).
• Critics argue that the low voter turnout is a
  weakness in our democratic system. Do you agree
  or disagree?

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Will Think For Food

• Democracy is the worst form of government on the
  planet, until you consider all the others.
  Winston Churchill

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II. Characteristics of Democracy (p.20-23)

• Government works to secure an equal opportunity
  for people to develop their own abilities.
• Government is based on majority rule through the
  peoples elected representatives, but respects
  the rights of minorities.
• Government is based on free and open elections in
  which every citizen has the right to vote, every
  vote has equal weight, and candidates for office
  can freely express their views. Theoretically

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• Political parties choose candidates for office,
  respect the voters decisions in elections, and
  act as loyal opposition.
• Why do you think that nations with wide gaps
  between the rich and poor are less likely to have
  successful democracies?

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III. The Soil of Democracy (p.23-24)

• Certain conditions or environments favor the
  development of the democratic system of
  government.
• Countries where citizens participate fully in
  civic life are more likely to maintain a strong
  democracy.
• Stable, growing economies with a large middle
  class help strengthen democracies.
• A public school system open to all people helps
  promote democracy.

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• A strong civil society in which a network of
  voluntary organizations (including economic
  groups, religious groups, and many others) exists
  independent of government helps democracy to
  flourish.
• The people accept democratic values such as
  individual liberty and equality for all in a
  social consensus.
• As a society, what steps do you think we might
  take to encourage more people to participate in
  our democratic government?