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DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENTS vs. AUTHORITARIAN GOVERNMENTS. THE ULTIMATE BATTLE OF GOOD vs. EVIL… …sort of. MAIN IDEA. The people are the ultimate rulers of democratic countries A Ruler or small group of people control Totalitarian States (Countries). DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT. 3 kinds
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DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENTSvs.AUTHORITARIAN GOVERNMENTS THE ULTIMATE BATTLE OF GOOD vs. EVIL… …sort of.
MAIN IDEA • The people are the ultimate rulers of democratic countries • A Ruler or small group of people control Totalitarian States (Countries)
DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT • 3 kinds • Direct Democracy • Representative Democracy • Constitutional Monarchy
Direct Democracy • All citizens meet to debate government matters and vote first hand. • Not practical today, because of large areas of land and populations.
Representative Democracy • Citizens elect “representatives” to make laws, and govern on their behalf. • A system of limited government in which the people (voters) have the ultimate power.
Constitutional Monarchy • Monarchy = gov’t with a hereditary ruler (king or queen). Constitutional Monarchy= power of monarch is limited by a Constitution and laws. Prime Minister
Democratic Principles • “a government of the people, by the people and for the people” • “of”=the power comes from the citizens • “by” – citizens run the gov’t (through reps) • “for” purpose is to make it better for citizens
Voting in a Democracy • Free, fair, competitive elections. • No discrimination at the polls • Secret ballot
Voters have Choices • Political parties – give voters choice, and serve as a watchdog when not in power. • A political party is a “group of individuals with broad, common interests who organize to support candidates for office and determine public policy.
MAJORITY RULE • When differences of opinion arise…we will do what most of the people want. • But you need to respect the views of the minorities
AUTHORITARIAN COVERNMENT • Power is held by ONE INDIVIDUAL or a small group of people who are not representative of the people. • 3 kinds: • Absolute Monarchy • Dictatorship • Totalitarianism
Absolute Monarchy • Monarchy where the ruler has UNLIMITED authority to rule as they wish. • Almost nonexistent today
Dictatorships • Dictators in control – rule just like a monarch – but are not “born into” the position. • They acquire their power through brute military force. • Continue to rely on this police and military power to remain in power. • Tamper with elections or refuse to hold them. • Limit freedom of speech, press, and assembly.
TotalitarianismA system of rule imposed by dictators • Government controls ALL aspects of life • Ban political opposititon • Regulate the means of production • Eliminate individual freedom –telling people what to believe and with whom they interact • Control the media, introduce propaganda, use scare tactics, and violence