100 likes | 121 Views
Types of Governments. Chapter 1 Section 3. Section 3. Major Types of Government. According to Aristotle the three major types of governments are:. Autocracy :. One person has all authority.
E N D
Types of Governments Chapter 1 Section 3
Section 3 Major Types of Government • According to Aristotle the three major types of governments are: • Autocracy: • One person has all authority. • A monarchy is another form of government in which a king, queen or emperor inherits the throne and heads the state.
Section 3 Major Types of Government (cont.) • Oligarchy: • A small group holds power. • Oligarchs derive their power from wealth, social position, military power or a combination of these.
Section 3 Major Types of Government (cont.) • Democracy: • The people govern either directly or through representatives. • An assembly of people’s representatives may be called a council, a legislature, a congress or a parliament. • In a republicvoters elect representatives. • Only a small percentage of people might be empowered to vote.
Section 3 Characteristics of Democracy • A true democracy is defined by four characteristics: • Individual liberty • All people are as free as possible to develop their talents. • Majority rule with minority rights • Elected representatives enact laws that reflect the will of the majority of lawmakers.
Section 3 Characteristics of Democracy (cont.) • The rights of the minority are respected and protected. • Free elections • Everyone’s vote carries the same weight. • All candidates have the right to express their views freely. • Citizens are free to help candidates or support issues.
Section 3 Characteristics of Democracy (cont.) • Legal requirements for voting are kept to a minimum. • Citizens vote by secret ballot without coercion or fear of punishment. • Competing political parties. • A political partyis a group of individuals with broad common interests organized to win elections, conduct government and determine public policy.
Section 3 Characteristics of Democracy (cont.) • Rival parties make elections meaningful by giving voters a choice.