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Forms of Government

Forms of Government. The Age of Democracy. The world is gradually moving from dictatorship to democracy. But how ‘democratic’ are these ‘democracies’?. Internal and External influences on forms of Government.

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Forms of Government

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  1. Forms of Government

  2. The Age of Democracy • The world is gradually moving from dictatorship to democracy. • But how ‘democratic’ are these ‘democracies’?

  3. Internal and External influences on forms of Government • Most governments in the world are affected by the traditions of their country and their neighbors.

  4. Most of the former British Empire is democratic, because the British introduced the concept to certain colonies e.g. Canada, Australia, New Zealand

  5. Other European countries ran their empires on absolutist lines E.g. Portugal and Angola (1574-1974) As a result, many of these countries have no tradition of democracy E.g. Angolan Civil War (1974-2002)

  6. Democracy The first ‘democracy’ was in Ancient Athens in the Fifth Century BCE.

  7. Ancient democracies discussed topics of interest in open forums and then held a vote. The vote could be affected by the emotional rhetoric of strong public speakers

  8. Types of Democracies • Representative • Full • Partial • Emerging

  9. Representative Democracies Republics (E.g. Finland, Poland and Macedonia) People elect the head of state, (normally a president) as well the head of government (normally a prime minister.)

  10. Constitutional Monarchies Britain, the Netherlands and Cambodia. The head of state, (normally a King or Queen) is chosen by birth. The head of government (normally a Prime Minister) is then elected.

  11. Full Democracies Enforce majority rule while protecting minority rights. E.g. rights of French Canadians and Aboriginals.

  12. Rule of law vs. Individual Freedom Full democracies recognize the rule of law, electoral freedom and the rights of individuals to influence public policy through interest groups.

  13. Court A full democracy has an independent judiciary that can act as a check on the powers of the executive and legislative branches of the government.

  14. Full democracies extend economic, political and social rights to all citizens.

  15. Full democracies remain open to philosophies and ideas proposed by its citizens Examples: MADD initiatives, same sex marriage and adoption, legalized marijuana, Fully legalized prostitution

  16. Full democracies allow for freedom of information, the press, expression and religion.

  17. Limitations on Full Democracies • Many people do not vote in democracies. • The cost of running a campaign excludes many potential candidates. • Corporations often back certain candidates.

  18. Failings of Full Democracies Japanese-Canadian internments in World War Two. Deportation of Maher Arar to Syria by USA. US Presidential election in 2000. US custody of Omar Khadr

  19. Emerging Democracies Most countries of the world describe themselves as democracies. Many are no such thing Many countries are emerging democracies, which is a partial democracy in a state of permanent transition. Most emerging democracies hold elections, but restrict the number of candidates. Some have a weak judiciary. Some restrict press freedoms.

  20. Conclusion • Many countries of the world are democracies. • Many claim to be democracies, but are no such thing. • Many countries in the world are still DICTATORSHIPS AND OLIGARCHIES.

  21. End • Read p. 166-170 • Answer # 1-4

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