1-2 Why Americans Have Government Key

1-2 Why Americans Have Government

Why Americans Have Government 1. Types of Government Every country has a government. However, they are not all the same. They govern differently, chose leaders differently, and were shaped by different beliefs and histories. a. Monarchies i. Ruled by: Kings or Queens ii.Often all the government’s power is contained in one or two people of royal lineage. They have control of the nation’s military and can rule by force. Monarchy :They were called “Absolute Monarchs” because they had absolute or total control. ONE ruler Monarchies can be hereditary, thus no break in rule (The King is Dead! Long live the King!) iii.From the Greek meaning: “One” and “ruler” iv.Absolute monarchs are rare, today. Most monarchies are now limited in power, are mostly ceremonial positions, or are oligarchies (see below) v.Examples: Great Britain, Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Spain b. Oligarchy i. Ruled by: exclusive few, dictator, most monarchies, theocracies (religious leaders) ii.From the Greek meaning: “Few” and “rule” iii.Dictatorships always rely upon their political or military supporters to Oligarchy: power. a FEWmaintain rule iv.Oligarchies are authoritarian – they only answer to themselves, not the people they rule v.They can be totalitarian – trying to control every social aspect of people’s lives. Can limit religious practices, political dissention, and personal activities. vi.Examples: Cuba, China, Iran, Vatican City, Saudi Arabia, North Korea c. Direct Democracy i. Ruled by: all voting citizens ii.From the Greek meaning: “people” and “rule” Anarchy: iii.Voters decide all results in all governmental issues with a majority. WITHOUT iv.Without restrains D.D. can become a form of anarchy (meaning: “without rule rule”) v.NOT a common form of democracy. Only one nation suscribes to this form: 1. Example: Switerland 2. Ancient examples: Athens, Greek city-states Democracy d. Representative Democracy : i. Ruled by: leaders elected by the people PEOPLE ii.The people vote to elect representatives to carry on the work of government for them.

1-2 Why Americans Have Government iii.The United States is a representative democracy whose leaders are

accountable to laws. This is called a republic. 1. From the Latin phrase “res publica” meaning “a public affair” (res – resolution) iv.Examples: U.S., United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, almost all of Europe 2. Purposes of Government a. Unification i. Government provides a means for people to unite and cooperate in order to accomplish large tasks. ii.Some important services are best provided by the government which has many resources, such as schools, libraries, basic utilities, road construction, and mail. b. Protection i. Government services exist to assist people in harm’s way and prevent harm. Govt.ii.Fire and police departments are usually run by local government iii.Military defense from foreign or domestic attackers is a very important purposes: P= role of government. Protection iv.Government can create and enforce health and building codes to ensure U= safety. c. Laws i. To protect the rights of the minority, a nation must have governing laws. They are recorded so that people may know and obey them ii.Laws act as a guide toward good citizenship and allow for the safety of communities. iii.American basic law is contained in a constitution – a written plan of government. iv.Constitutions are written on national and state levels to establish the limits, Constitutions purpose, and organization of government. define: Limits, Purpose, and Organization of government