Name: Date: Period: Chp 2: Comparing Forms of Government Notes Chp 2: Comparing Forms of Government 1
Objectives about Forms of Government In this chapter, the students will classify various political systems analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various political systems and compare the ways in which power is distributed in systems of shared power compare and contrast constitutional democracies with authoritarian regimes; presidential and parliamentary governments; and federal, confederal, and unitary systems of government classify and evaluate various economic systems and identify the role of government in each Preview 1 In your opinion, which one of the following people or groups should have the power to make the rules at Broad Run (principal, teachers, student council, student body, other) Why? 2 Are there any people or groups in question #1 that should not make the rules at Broad Run? If so, why not? 3 Which group usually makes the rules here? a Why do you think that is? b Advantages of this system? c Disadvantages? Notes Chp 2: Comparing Forms of Government 2
Forms of Government Around the World On the map below, label the following countries Canada, US, Mexico, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Australia Then, using the key below, color the countries by their form of government Monarchy Theocracy Dictatorship Single-Party State Parliamentary Democracy Presidential Democracy Notes Chp 2: Comparing Forms of Government 3
Forms of Government in Today s World Term Definition Pros Cons Monarchy A system of government in which a single ruler exercises supreme power based on heredity or divine right efficient way of carrying out decisions and policies clear line of succession loyalty to monarch as unifying power quality of leadership can vary dramatically from one generation to the next job of running modern nation-state has become too big for any but the most exceptional monarchs to do well Dictatorship in which a single person or group exercises supreme power based on its control of the military and police power centralized in the hands of a single military or political leader who can get things done efficiently control of the military and police allows dictator to maintain peace and order power can be used to abuse citizens who oppose the dictator dictators face serious legitimacy problems Theocracy headed by religious leaders single, state-supported religion encourages political and social unity ensures that political decisions are in line with the people s moral values and beliefs difficult to enforce religious unity religious minorities often marginalized or even persecuted Single-Party State in which only one political party is allowed by the constitution to govern and power is exercised by the leading members of the party easier to pass laws by avoiding the political wrangling common in multiparty states the views of the party elite may differ from the interests of the people as a whole, leading to social unrest people with differing political views are often shut out of the political process Direct Democracy in which public decisions are made directly by citizens meeting together in an assembly or voting by ballot each citizen has an equal say in public affairs decisions have widespread support very time-consuming for citizens Parliamentary Democracy in which voters elect lawmakers to represent them in the nation s parliament; the leaders of the executive branch come from the ruling party in parliament members of the legislative majority usually vote with the prime minister on key issues, making it easier to get legislation passed no clear-cut separation between the executive and legislative, so no real check on the prime minister s powers prime minister can be forced to resign, leading to instability Presidential Democracy in which voters elect lawmakers to represent them in the legislature and a president to lead the government as head of the executive branch president may be more responsive to the public than to party concerns separation of executive and legislative powers allows each branch to watch over the other to prevent abuses of power fixed terms of office creates stability no easy way to remove an unpopular president from power gridlock may result when a president is not from the party that controls the legislature Notes Chp 2: Comparing Forms of Government 4
The Three Systems of Government in Today s World Term Definition Pros Cons Unitary System in which power is centralized in the national government; regional governments only exercise powers given by national government promotes national unity all parts of the country follow the same laws and policies broad public policies may not fit the needs of the entire country or population central government officials cannot know the needs of every locality Federal System in which power is divided between national and regional governments works well for large, diverse countries gives regional governments flexibility in meeting diverse needs patchwork of conflicting or competing laws from region to region may foster conflict between central and regional governments Confederal System in which power resides in the regions, which are independent states; the central government gets power from regional governments allows regional governments to unite for some purposes without giving up the power to run their own affairs gives regional governments flexibility to meet local needs prevents rise of an authoritarian central government central government may be too weak to meet the needs of the nation as a whole may lead to conflict between regions Traditional Economy Forms of Economic Systems in Today s World Term Definition Pros Cons an economic system in tradition and community values keep which decisions about the economy running smoothly what goods and people can provide for themselves services to produce and how are made on the basis of tradition very low standard of living limited access to goods and services Market Economy an economic system that relies mainly on markets to determine what goods and services to produce and how efficient at meeting people s needs, based on demand competition keeps prices from rising too high business investment helps the economy grow instability; periods of growth usually alternate with recessions unequal distribution of wealth Command Economy an economic system that relies mainly on the central government to determine what goods and services to produce and how can ensure full employment can control prices and bring stability to the economy distributes income more equally workers have little incentive to work hard or to produce quality goods government planners are less efficient than the market at making economic decisions Notes Chp 2: Comparing Forms of Government 5
Glossary Chp 2 Directions: Fill in the definition for the term listed Then, in the box on the right, you have to draw a picture OR write the definition in your own words OR write a sentence using the word that demonstrates its meeting Democracy Dictatorship Market Economy Traditional Economy Republic Parliament Command Economy Notes Chp 2: Comparing Forms of Government 6
Directions Imagine that you are advising a country that is creating a new constitution Below are the priorities that the country might have when it comes to a government and an economic system For each possible priority, identify the combination (form of government + system of government + economic system) you would recommend Then write one or two sentences explaining why you think this combination works best for the particular priority Form of government System of government Economic system Efficiency = + + Freedom = + + Prosperity = + + Equality = + + Security = + + Explain your choices in creating a government that values Efficiency Explain your choices in creating a government that values Freedom Explain your choices in creating a government that values Prosperity Explain your choices in creating a government that values Equality Explain your choices in creating a government that values Security Notes Chp 2: Comparing Forms of Government 7
Summary DIRECTIONS: Choose only one of the following: a) write a summary (25-75 words) of what you believe was the most important aspect of the notes/lecture b) write what you believe to be the most interesting or memorable part of the notes/lecture (25-75 words) c) draw something that symbolizes the notes/lecture to you (has to be different than your title page) Notes Chp 2: Comparing Forms of Government 8