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Unit 1 Chapter 1, Section 3

Unit 1 Chapter 1, Section 3. American Government 2 nd -5 th Mr. Young. Essential Question. Why did the Founding Fathers want America to be a Republic and not a Monarchy or a Democracy? What are the 5 important factors that democracy to grow within a state?. Major Types of Government.

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Unit 1 Chapter 1, Section 3

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  1. Unit 1Chapter 1, Section 3 American Government 2nd-5th Mr. Young

  2. Essential Question • Why did the Founding Fathers want America to be a Republic and not a Monarchy or a Democracy? • What are the 5 important factors that democracy to grow within a state?

  3. Major Types of Government • Greek philosopher Aristotle asked “Who governs the state?” • 3 major types of gov’t • Autocracy- rule by one person • Oligarchy- rule by few people • Democracy- rule be many persons

  4. 3 Major Types of Government • 1) Autocracy- Any system of gov’t in which the power and authority to rule are in the hands of a single individual • Oldest and most common form of government • 3 Types of autocratic governments

  5. A. Absolute Power • Totalitarian dictatorship- ideas of single leader are glorified and government seeks to control all aspects of social and economic life • Examples: Hitler, Stalin, Napoleon

  6. B. Monarchy • King, queen, or emperor exercises supreme powers of government • Absolute Monarchs- complete and unlimited power to rule • Example: Western Europe 1400-1700

  7. C. Constitutional Monarchs • Monarchs that share government powers with elected legislature or serve mainly as the ceremonial leaders of their government • Examples: Great Britain, Sweden, Japan

  8. 3 Major Types of Government • 2) Oligarchy- Any system of government in which a small group holds the power • Derives power from wealth, military power, social positions, religion, or a combo of them all. • Example: Communist countries today

  9. 3 Major Types of Government • 3) Democracy- System of government in which rule is by the people • Key Idea: People hold sovereign power

  10. Two Types of Democracies • Direct Democracy- people govern themselves by voting on issues individually as citizens

  11. Two Types of Democracies 2) Indirect/Representative Democracy- people elect representatives and give them the power

  12. Democracy Cont. • Republic- voters are the source of the government’s authority (requires citizen participation) • Founding fathers wanted a republic because it would promote citizen participation • Not every democracy around the world is a republic, i.e. Great Britain

  13. Characteristics of Democracy • Individual Liberty • Majority Rule with Minority rights • Free Elections • Competing Political Parties

  14. 1) Individual Liberty • People are as free as possible to develop their own opportunities for success

  15. 2) Majority Rule/Minority Rights • In democracy people usually accept the decisions of majority of voters in elections • Constitution helps to ensure the rights of individuals in the minority will be protected • Easy to say, hard to maintain • Court Case: Endo v. United States

  16. 3) Free Elections • Democratic governments receive their legitimacy by the consent of the governed • 5 characteristics that mark free elections

  17. 5 Characteristics of Free Elections “One person, one vote”: every vote the same All candidates can express their views freely Citizens free to help candidates or support issues Legal requirements for voting are kept to a minimum May vote freely by secret ballot

  18. 4) Competing Political Parties • Political Parties- A group of individuals with broad common interests who organize to nominate candidates for office, win elections, conduct government, and determine public policy • Those out of power help keep a check on those in power

  19. Soil of Democracy • Five general criteria where a democracy is more likely to grow • Active citizen participation • Favorable economy • Widespread education • Strong civil society • Social consensus

  20. 1) Active Citizen Participation • Citizens must be willing to participate in civic life, such as voting, serve on juries, and run for government offices

  21. 2) A Favorable Economy • Need a good, large middle class • Need a stable, growing economy • People not worried about politics if their economic life is out of hand • Free enterprise- the opportunity to control one’s own economic decision

  22. 3) Widespread Education • Needs a country where its people are well educated • It is the duty of government to provide education for citizens if it wants to be a democracy.

  23. 4) Strong Civil Society • Groups and organizations that exist separately and independently of the government • Give citizens opportunity to express views, make opinions heard, and participate in their democracy • Examples: Red Cross, NRA, local churches and newspapers

  24. 5) Social Consensus • Democracy is more likely to grow in a country where people accept the democratic values within a country, such as individual liberty, equality for all, and limits of gov’t power

  25. Essential Question • Why did the Founding Fathers want America to be a Republic and not a Monarchy or a Democracy? • What are the 5 important factors that democracy to grow within a state?

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