Forms of Government: Latin America

The government of each country can be structured in many different ways. All of the governments in the world can be classified as either a democratic or an autocratic government. The citizens in a democratic government have all the political power. A citizen is person who lives in a particular country. This power is exercised through free voting. Voting is the ability to make a choice for a government leader. In contrast, when the power of the government rests with a single leader. it’s an autocratic government. The citizens of an autocratic government have extremely limited political power and do not have the power to vote. The power rests with a single leader.

Mexico and Brazil both have similar types of government. Both countries have a democratic government. This means that the citizens have the ability to vote for the government leaders. There is also a president that is elected in both Mexico and Brazil. In Mexico, the president can only serve one six-year term. Citizens who are eighteen and older can vote in Mexico. In Brazil, the president can serve up to two four-year terms. Brazil requires that citizens between 18 and 70 vote, but they can vote as young as sixteen. There are many political parties in both Mexico and Brazil. A political party is an organization that represents a specific political agenda in a country

Cuba is an autocratic government. Cuba was led by Fidel Castro from 1959 to 2008, then his brother Raul Castro became the leader. The citizens can vote for leaders at age 16; however, the leaders all belong to a certain political party called the Cuban Communist Party. This means that the citizens have very little input, as the leaders all come from a specific political party. There is not a term for the presidents in Cuba. This means that the presidents are not limited by a certain amount of years in office.

• I read the passage.

• I read the passage.

Which type of government is one in which citizens have power?

• Capitalism

• Socialism

• Democratic

• Autocratic

Which type of government is one in which a single leader has the power?

• Socialism

• Democratic

• Autocratic

• Isolationism

What is the best description of an autocratic government?

• A single leader has all the power

• The citizens have little power

• The citizens do not vote for government officials

• All of the above

What type of government do Mexico and Brazil have?

• Socialism

• Democratic

• Autocratic

• Capitalism

What is the best explanation of a democratic government?

• The power rests with the people

• The people vote for government officials

• The people have a say in the government

• All of the above

At what age can people begin voting in Cuba?

• 16

• 18

• 21

• 25

Which country is an autocratic government?

• Cuba

• Mexico

• Brazil

• Italy

The citizens of Cuba have very little input in the leaders of the government.

• True

• False

In 2-3 sentences, compare and contrast an autocratic government and democratic government.