Understanding Democratic and Autocratic Governments

This video module introduces the Georgia Standards of Excellence in Social Studies for sixth grade, focusing on citizen participation in autocratic and democratic governments. It covers the characteristics of autocratic governments, using Cuba as an example, and contrasts them with democratic governments, highlighting citizen rights and participation. The module emphasizes the importance of comparing and contrasting these government types and encourages inquiry-based learning to deepen student understanding.

What is the primary focus of the Georgia Standards of Excellence in Social Studies for sixth graders?

• Studying the geography of Europe

• Exploring ancient civilizations

• Learning about autocratic and democratic governments

• Understanding the history of Georgia

In an autocratic government, how is the next leader typically chosen in a monarchy?

• From the royal family bloodline

• By the citizens' vote

• Through a national election

• By a council of elders

Which of the following is a characteristic of an autocratic government?

• Free press

• High citizen participation

• Power centralized in one leader

• Multiple political parties

What is a key feature of Cuba's government since 1959?

• Elected national leaders

• Free market economy

• Multiple political parties

• Communist party dominance

How does the legislative branch function in Cuba's government?

• It creates and passes laws independently

• It ratifies laws made by the Executive Branch

• It is elected by the citizens

• It has the power to impeach the leader

What is a hallmark of democratic governments?

• Limited citizen participation

• Single-party rule

• Centralized power

• Free and fair elections

In a democratic government, what is the role of citizens?

• To pay higher taxes

• To participate in free elections

• To serve in the military

• To follow the leader's orders

How is the head of government chosen in Mexico?

• Chosen by a council

• Directly elected by citizens

• Elected by the legislature

• Appointed by the monarch

What is a common feature of democratic governments in Europe?

• Voting is restricted to the elite

• The monarch has absolute power

• The government is run by a single party

• Citizens directly elect their national leaders

In Canada, who selects the head of government?

• A council of ministers

• The monarch

• The legislative branch

• The citizens through a direct vote