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Government and democracy. In this lesson you will learn about the concept of government and different types of government around the world. Key words. Government Autocracy Oligarchy Democracy Representative democracy Theocracy.
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Government and democracy • In this lesson you will learn about the concept of government and different types of government around the world
Key words • Government • Autocracy • Oligarchy • Democracy • Representative democracy • Theocracy
In order to start this unit first I need to have each group have a different decision making model • Each group will be given the choice to pick pizza toppings however: • Group A – Only one person will choose pizza toppings • Group B – only a select few will be choosing the pizza toppings • Group C – all group members will have a say in choosing the pizza toppings Government and democracy
Activity Questions • How quickly was the decision made? • Did everyone agree with the decision? • How happy were you with the decision? Why? • What kind of feeling developed within the group? Explain • How involved or interested were all members in the activity? Explain
Discussion Questions • How are decisions made at home? • Who decided what happens in the classroom? • What types of decisions need to be made for people living in a country, province or territory (e.g., education/schools, transportation/roads, health care/hospitals)? • Who makes these decisions? • What would happen if there was no government responsible for creating laws and providing support to citizens? • Imagine what this class would be like if there were no rules regarding behaviour, habits or homework
Introduction • Different types of governments exist in the world and they make decisions for their people in different ways. • Governments can be compared by looking at how power is shared and the types of rights and freedoms provided to its citizens
Autocracy (dictatorship) • A type of government where one person has full control without the participation or permission of the people • Citizens have few rights or freedoms • There is usually a high level of security, with military all around and limited media • Examples include Syria, North Korea and Kazakhstan
Oligarchy • A form of government system in which power rests with a small number of people, generally the people who are more rich and powerful (due to family lines or wealth) • People living under an oligarchic rule have some rights and freedoms • Examples include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and many African nations • Could be a monarchy
Democracy • A type of government where power is shared by all the people • Citizens have access to power and they also have rights and freedoms • These countries have freedom of speech, and free and fair elections • Examples include Canada, the United States, Japan and England • Since it is not realistic to have every citizen contribute to every decision that needs to be made, representatives are usually selected by the people to make decisions on their behalf • This is called a representative democracy • In Canada, we elect Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent us in the Canadian government
Theocracy • A form of government where a god or deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler • Government policy is determined by religious leaders who are seen to be directly guided by a god or deity • Laws are interpreted by religious authorities, such as bishops or mullahs, and are enforced by religious officials • Examples include Iran and Vatican City
Pros and Cons for: No government Cons Pro – free will - chaosCan’t get arrested - dangerousEverything is free - abuse No rules - theft - no rules (free for all) - live in fear - violence Autocratic government Pro Cons • Fast decisions - rules do not apply to ruler • Good security - few rights and no freedom • Safe for tourists (Cuba) - unnecessary rules • Good life for whoever is in power - high level of arrests - could be a crazy in charge Democratic government Pro Cons • Power shared by all people - takes a long time for decisions to be made • Freedom - many debates • Less danger - taking advantage of the system • Access to power - not realistic to have everyone contribute to each decision • Fair elections • Freedom of speech
Closing discussion • Write about a time when you were involved in a democratically made decision • Write about a time when you were involved in an autocratic decision • How did you feel during each decision-making process? • Would you prefer to live in an autocracy or a democracy? Why? • What does democracy mean to you?
Homework • Complete worksheet 1.2: Who should decide? • Complete worksheet 1.3: Survivor Island