Systems of Government

(Check all that apply) Each of the following represent a characteristic of a state or nation.

• Defined Population

• Define Borders

• Established Government

• Sovereign Powers

In this system of democracy, the primary leader is chosen by the political party with the majority in their congress or legislative branch.

• Monarchy

• Parliamentary

• Federal

• Presidential

In this system of government, power comes from the people and is shared between the National and State governments.

• Unitary

• Confederal

• Federal

"In 1776, American colonists declared independence from a government led by King George III, who ruled with authority inherited from his royal family. What form of government were the colonists rebelling against?"

• Democracy

• Republic

• Monarchy

• Social Contract

This is a system of government in which the CENTRAL government carries full weight of Power over state and local governments.

• Federal

• Confederal

• Unitary

In this system, the leader is elected by receiving a majority of votes in the Electoral College.

• Dictatorship

• Parliamentary

• Monarchy

• Presidential

In this system of government, power flows from the states/local governments into the National Government.

• Unitary

• Confederal

• Federal

During a national emergency, a country’s leader was able to pass new laws overnight without debate or waiting for elections. Supporters argued this quick action saved lives.

What potential benefit of a monarchy or dictatorship does this scenario show?

• Laws can be enacted quickly because power is centralized in one person

• Citizens have more opportunities to vote directly on laws

• Power is evenly distributed among different branches of government

• Leaders are always chosen by popular elections

In a country where every major decision is put to a vote, debates drag on for months, and little progress is made because leaders can’t agree. Citizens start to complain that nothing gets done.

What potential drawback of democracy does this scenario illustrate?

• Citizens have no voice in government policies

• Leaders hold power for life without elections

• Laws are passed by one ruler without opposition

• Decisions can be slow because of the need for debate and compromise

A group of politicians carefully studies public opinion polls before proposing new laws on healthcare and education. They want to make sure their policies match the will of the people so they will be re-elected.

In which form of government would this scenario most likely occur?

• Direct Democracy

• Oligarchy
• Representative Democracy

• Theocracy