Political Systems7th Grade Geography – Vermillion Middle School

States Governments: organizations that set

up and enforce laws. States: regions that share a

government International definition Different than South Dakota being a

state

Types of States

Nation-states: states that are independent or not under the control of any other state.

Is South Dakota a nation-state? Why or why not?

Types of States

Dependencies: regions that belong to another state Puerto Rico belongs to the United States

How States Developed

City-States: Nation-states that only cover one city. Modern Examples: Singapore, Vatican

City

How States Developed

Empires: states that contain several countries

This map shows the parts of the world that were once a part of the British Empire

Types of Government

Direct Democracy All adults vote in order to make

decisions Practiced in towns in New England▪ Town meetings held where adults gather,

speak, and vote.

Not practical for large groups of people

Types of Government

Tribal Rule All members of

a tribe discuss decisions

Chiefs or elders have the final say

Native Americans had traditionally practiced tribal rule

Types of Government

Absolute Monarchy A king or queen has complete control Serve until death after which the job is

passed down to a child or another family member

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia is an example of a modern absolute monarch

Types of Government

Dictatorship A single person has

complete control Similar to an absolute

monarchy except that power is not inherited but taken by force

Kim Jong Il of North Korea is an example of a modern dictator

Types of Government

Oligarchy The government is run by a group of

people Ordinary citizens have no voice

China is an oligarchy controlled by the Politburo, which consists of the leaders of the Communist Party

Types of Government

Constitutional Monarchy The power of the king or queen is limited

by a Constitution Constitution: sets of laws that define

and often limit government power

The Constitutional Monarchy is practiced more often that the Absolute Monarchy. King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand is a constitutional monarch.

Types of Government

Representative Democracy People elect other people to make the big

decisions for them Elections, citizen rights, and limits on

government explained in a constitution

The United States is an example of a Representative Democracy (also called a Republic). American citizens elect representatives, like members of Congress, to make decisions for them.

International Organizations Alliance: An agreement between

nations to work together NATO is an example of an alliance

between nations

United Nations (UN): An international organization meant to resolve disputes and promote peace Almost all nations are members

International Organizations

The End!

Questions, Comments?