GovernmentsForms and Functions

Why do we need government?

Provide services

Maintain order

Resolve conflict

Promote common values

What does a government look like?In other words….what forms can a government take?

Monarchy Hereditary-king or

queen Constitutional

monarchy occurs when the monarch is the ceremonial head of state (Great Britain, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands)

Republic Government

authority comes from the people

Officials chosen by the people

Ancient Rome, U.S., France, Mexico, Argentina, South Africa, India

Democracy Rule by the people Can be direct

(Ancient Athens) or representative

Often used interchangeably with republic

Dictatorship Power gained and

maintained through force Autotcracy-rule by

one Oligarch-rule by a

few Authoritarian-

answer only to themselves

Totalitarian-extreme form in which dictator seeks complete control over all aspects of citizen’s lives (Burma or Myamar)

Aristocracy Government

headed by privileged minority or upper class (landholding elite)

What are the benefits of a democracy?

A democracy…. Allows Choice

Compromise

Recognizes individual worth

Individual freedom

Promotes respect for the law

Protects minority rights

Equality of opportunity and before the law

Promotes the public good

Forms of Government in the World Today