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Types of Government. Chapter 1 Section 3. Quick write. What is a democracy? How does a democracy provide a good government for diverse people?. Key Terms: Choose 3 to define. Autocracy : a system of government in which the power and authority to rule are in the hands of a single individual.
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Types of Government Chapter 1 Section 3
Quick write • What is a democracy? How does a democracy provide a good government for diverse people?
Key Terms: Choose 3 to define • Autocracy: a system of government in which the power and authority to rule are in the hands of a single individual. • Monarchy: a form of autocratic government in which a king, queen, or emperor has supreme powers of government. • Oligarchy: a system of government in which a small group holds power. • Democracy: a system of government in which rule is by the people • Republic: voters hold sovereign power • Political Party: group of individuals with broad common interests who organize to nominate candidates for office, win elections, and determine public policy. • Free enterprise: the opportunity to control one’s economic decisions.
Major Types of Government • Autocracy (rule by one person) • Ex: totalitarian dictatorship Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany (1933-1945) • Monarchy (rule by a few persons) • Ex: absolute monarchs (common in Europe during 1400s-1700s) • Ex: constitutional monarchs (Spain, Great Britain- share governmental powers with legislatures) • Democracy (rule by many persons) • Ex: Direct democracy (people govern themselves by voting on issues, small societies) • Ex: Representative Democracy (people elect representatives and give them power and responsibility to make laws.)U.S. • Ex: Republic (voters hold sovereign power) U.S.
Characteristics of a Democracy • Individual Liberty: individuals are as free as possible to develop their own capacities • Majority Rule with Minority Rights: government decisions are based on a majority rule. (tyranny of the majorityWWII Japanese American were deprived of basic liberties) • Free Elections: • 1. Everyone’s vote has the same weight • 2. All candidates have the right to express their views freely • 3. Citizens are free to help candidates or support issues • 4. the legal requirements for voting are kept to a minimum • Competing political parties: rival parties make elections meaningful and give voters a choice. • **EXPLAIN WHY EACH OF THESE CHARACTERISTICS IS IMPORTANT TO A DEMOCRACY
The Soil of Democracy • Active Citizen Participation: citizens must be willing to participate in civic life. • A favorable economy: country does not have extremes of wealth and poverty. Free enterprise! • Widespread Education: Democracies need an educated public. • Strong Civil Society: groups exist independently of government (voluntary associations, religious organizations etc.) • Social Consensus: most people accept democratic values.
Reflection • How well are the will of the majority and the rights of minorities being preserved in the United States? Provide an example.