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Limiting Government. President Fujimori of Peru is an example of what can happen when a government has nothing to limit its power. . There are many ways that governments are kept in “check” (limited) so they won’t have too much power. . Constitution. Minority Rights. Rule of Law.
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President Fujimori of Peru is an example of what can happen when a government has nothing to limit its power.
There are many ways that governments are kept in “check” (limited) so they won’t have too much power.
Constitution Minority Rights Rule of Law Checks on Government Consent of the Governed Separation of Power
Constitution A constitution is the rulebook for a country’s government. • Here’s how a constitution limits government: • Tells how laws are made • Sets rules for how the government functions • Lists the rights and responsibilities of citizens • Most countries have written constitutions
Constitution When President Fujimori took control of Peru’s government, what did he do to Peru’s constitution?
Constitution Constitutions limit government by: Quick Review! Telling how ________ are made laws Setting ________ for the government rules Listing the _________ and the _______________ of citizens rights responsibilities
Rule of law means that nobody is above the law. • The law applies to everyone • Even the president must follow the law • The government can’t take illegal actions Here’s how the rule of law limits government:
Rule of Law The rule of law is stronger in some countries than it is in others. Check this out: Strongest (90-100%) Strong (75-90%) Average (50-75%) Weak (25-50%) Weaker (10-25%) Weakest/None(0-10%) 2005 – Worldwide Governance Indicators
Rule of Law When President Fujimori took control of the government, did he follow the law?
The rule of law limits government because: Quick Review! The law applies to ____________ everyone Even the ___________ must follow the law President The government cannot take actions that are _________ illegal
Separation of power divides power among different branches of government. • No branch has all the power • Each branch can “check” (limit) what the other branches do • Responsibilities are balanced among the branches Here’s how separation of power limits government:
Lots of countries around the world separate power into branches! Check this out: Iceland France Hungary AND MORE! Canada Greece United States Japan Mexico Indonesia Jamaica Fiji Panama Pakistan Chile Morocco Egypt Iran
Which branch did President Fujimori get rid of when he took control of Peru’s government?
Separation of power limits government because: Quick Review! No branch has all the _______ power Each branch can “________” what the other branches do check Responsibilities are ___________ among all the branches balanced
Consent of the governed means that the citizens give their permission for the government to operate. • Citizens have the right to vote • Citizens can use their vote to change how the government is run • By voting, citizens could even change the constitution Here’s how consent of the governed limits government:
Citizens in many countries around the world have the right to vote. Check this out: Election Posters from Around the World
When President Fujimori took control of the government, did the majority of Peru’s citizens support him?
Consent of the governed limits government because: Quick Review! Citizens have the right to________ vote Citizens can use their vote to __________ how the government is run change By voting, citizens could even change the ______________ Constitution
Minority rights give protection of the law to every group of people, no matter how small. • Everyone’s rights are protected • Nobody is too unimportant to be treated equally under the law • Even unpopular groups must be treated fairly Here’s how minority rights limit government:
Minority Rights When President Fujimori took control of the government, was he looking out for the rights of all people (even suspected terrorists)?
Minority rights limit government because: Quick Review! Everyone’s rights are ___________ protected Nobody is too _____________ to be treated equally under the law unimportant Even ____________ groups must be treated fairly unpopular
LIMITING GOVERNMENT Let’s review!
The rulebook for a government is called… A constitution! Good Job!
Splitting a government into different branches is called… Separation of Power! Keep it up!
Protecting even small or unpopular groups of people is called… Minority Rights! You’re on a roll!
A country where citizens show their approval or disapproval by voting has… Consent of the Governed! Nice one!
A country where nobody is above the law has … Rule of Law! Way to go!
President Fujimori Discuss It: Which limits did President Fujimori have after he took control of the government? Constitution Rule of Law Separating Power Minority Rights Consent of the Governed
President Fujimori What do you think? Is it enough for a government to have only one limitation on its power?