Forms of Government

Who’s the Boss?

freedomfreedomfreedom—the opportunity to act spontaneously in a variety of fields outside the control of the government and other centers of potential domination

freedom—the opportunity to act spontaneously in a variety of fields outside the control of the government and other centers of potential domination

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How does one Measure Freedom?

How does one Measure Freedom?

Measured by the level of :Political rights: enable people to participate freely in the political process-- vote freely for distinct alternatives in legitimate elections

compete for public office join political parties and organizationselect representatives who have a decisive impact on public policies--accountable to the electorate.

Measured by the level of :Political rights: enable people to participate freely in the political process-- vote freely for distinct alternatives in legitimate elections

compete for public office join political parties and organizationselect representatives who have a decisive impact on public policies--accountable to the electorate.

Freedom measured by the level of:

Freedom measured by the level of:

Civil Rights/liberties:freedoms of expression and belief

associational and organizational rights

rule of lawand personal autonomy without interference from the state.

Civil Rights/liberties:freedoms of expression and belief

associational and organizational rights

rule of lawand personal autonomy without interference from the state.

What is GovernmentWhat is Government

A political organization authorized to make public policy, laws, regulations and conduct state affairs

A political organization authorized to make public policy, laws, regulations and conduct state affairs

Political science questions

Political science questions

What are the purposes of govt?What do governments do (functions)?Who exercises political power (process)?

What are the purposes of govt?What do governments do (functions)?Who exercises political power (process)?

GovernmentGovernment

Protects citizensProvides safety net (social services)

Interprets morals/religion for lawProvides stable economyRepresents citizens viewsEncourages unity, minimizes dissent

Protects citizensProvides safety net (social services)

Interprets morals/religion for lawProvides stable economyRepresents citizens viewsEncourages unity, minimizes dissent

Classifying GovernmentsClassifying Governments

Who can participate

Geographic distribution of

Power

Relationship between executive and legislative

branches Democracy: “the People” at varying levels Dictatorship: one or few leaders

Unitary: one centralized national govt. Federal: regional (state) and national govt. share power

Parliamentary--prime minister and cabinet are from the legislative branch (legislative is supreme) Presidential--branches are separate, independent and equal; office for fixed term, powers that legislative can’t control

Who can participate

Geographic distribution of

Power

Relationship between executive and legislative

branches Democracy: “the People” at varying levels Dictatorship: one or few leaders

Unitary: one centralized national govt. Federal: regional (state) and national govt. share power

Parliamentary--prime minister and cabinet are from the legislative branch (legislative is supreme) Presidential--branches are separate, independent and equal; office for fixed term, powers that legislative can’t control

DICTATORSHIP S: power rests in the hands of one or a few leaders who are not responsible to the people

Regimes who severely limit who may participate in politics and stifle dissent The regime came into power through force of arms, and one or more career military officers set policies.

• Police state

• Authoritarian • Totalitarian

Power is restricted to a single faction with a unified goal.

Communism

The economy of these nations is centrally planned and operated. All industry is owned by the state. Power is monopolized by a centrally organized party, which supports its legitimacy by quoting Marxist dogma.

REPUBLICS/ REPRESENTATI VE DEMOCRACIES: the supreme power rests in all the citizens entitled to vote. This power is exercised by representatives elected, directly or indirectly, by the people. The level of power the people have can vary greatly

Multi party democracy

Leaders are chosen by means of fair and competitive elections; citizens are allowed basic civil rights. Doesn’t matter whether or not head of state is monarch or president, as long as day to day decisions are in hands of elected representatives

Limited democracy

Democracies that fall short in one area-- Ex: limited freedom of press, suffrage is not universal

Traditional Monarchy: The state is considered the private estate of a single family. It is ruled at the discretion of the monarch and passed down from father to son throughout eternity.

Transitional Changing from one type to another

Rule by many, rule by few, rule by one

Rule by many, rule by few, rule by one

Rule by ManyRule by the people or elected representativesConstitutional Democracy, Constitutional Monarchy

United States, Kenya, Great Britain

Rule by the fewTotalitarianism, fascism, theocracy, dictatorship

China, Libya

Rule by oneAbsolute monarchy

Swaziland, Nepal

Rule by ManyRule by the people or elected representativesConstitutional Democracy, Constitutional Monarchy

United States, Kenya, Great Britain

Rule by the fewTotalitarianism, fascism, theocracy, dictatorship

China, Libya

Rule by oneAbsolute monarchy

Swaziland, Nepal

KATHMANDU: Nepal's King Gyanendra and Queen Komal posing for photographs after Queen Komal was decorated with the nation's highest medal on Wednesday at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace in Katmandu. King Gyanendra was enthroned as the new King of Nepal after the royal palace massacre on June 1, 2001, where his brother King Birendra was gunned down along with eight other members of the royal family. — AP/PTI

Mwai Kibaki3rd President of KenyaIncumbentAssumed office December 30, 2002

chief of state: Revolutionary Leader Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI (since 1 September 1969)

Democracy: Liberal vs. Illiberal

how a govt is elected vs. how a govt. behaves

Democracy: Liberal vs. Illiberal

how a govt is elected vs. how a govt. behaves•Election leaders; elections are

free &fair

•Emphasize Individual rights (ex: speech, press, religion, ideas, property ownership)

•Rule of law

•constitution is supreme

•Limited and transparent government

•Minority groups not oppressed

•Market or mixed economy (capitalism)

•Elect leaders; elections free and fair

•Few civil/individual rights

•Rights that are protected only are for certain groups

•Unchecked and concentrated presidential power

•Constitution at whim of

change (either of govt or of the majority)