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:
a FEWmaintain
rule power.
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
PEOPLE by: leaders elected by the 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