Types of Government

Systems Used throughout the WorldTypes of GovernmentWhere have you seen these words before?

Absolute Monarchy

Predict: Based on these pictures, how do you think an Absolute Monarch rules a nation?Absolute MonarchyPower is held by a king or queenThere are no limits on his/her powerPower is achieved through heredityA person must be born into the positionThere is no citizen participation

Constitutional MonarchyPower is held by a king/queen AND a Legislative BranchPowers are limited by a Constitution and LawsThe royal position is based on heredity; members of the Legislature are either elected by the people or appointed by the king/queenThere is some citizen participationConstitutional Monarchy

This document is called The Magna Carta

Does anyone remember why it is important? (hint: think back to early U.S. history)Parliamentary DemocracyPower is held by the peoplePowers are limited by the Constitution and LawsHolding Power: the Legislature is elected by the peopleThe Prime Minister is elected by the LegislatureThere is a high level of citizen participation, but the people are removed from choosing the leader (P.M.)Example of Canadian Parliamentary SystemWhere are the people involved in this process?

Presidential DemocracyPower is held by the peoplePowers are limited by the Constitution, Laws, and the Peoples Right to VotePower is gained by being elected by the peopleThere is a high level of citizen participation

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Dictatorship

Power is held only by the dictatorThere are no limits on his/her powerPower is usually achieved by forceThere is no hereditary right to ruleThere are no electionsSometimes, an election is held, but only one name will be on the ballotThere is no citizen participationTheocracyPower is held by the religious leaderPowers are limited by the laws of the religionA leader is appointed to power or elected by religious leadersThere is a low level of citizen participation, except for people with leadership positions within the religious organization