Limited vs. UnlimitedGovernment

Unlimited Government - What Is It Like?• Unlimited Government = government’s power has no

limits. Usually no constitution or laws limiting the governments power

• Control is placed solely with the ruler and his/her appointees. No limits imposed on his /her authority.

• These governments have total control over their citizens.

• Can you think of a country today that has a government that we would consider unlimited government?

MonarchyDictator

Limited Government – What Is It Like?• Limited government = the power of government leader

is limited by the constitution. • Everyone, including all authority figures, must obey the

laws.

• Individual rights of the citizen are protected by the constitution.

• The main goal of government is to improve the public good.

• Can you name a type of government that is considered a limited form of government?

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DICTATORSHIPOne person has all of the power; also called Monarchy, Tyranny, or

Totalitarianism

OLIGARCHYA few people have all the

power; also known as Aristocracy or (sometimes)

Communism

DEMOCRACY Everyone may participate in

government; also called Representative Democracy or

RepublicUnlimited Government—ruler can do anything!

Leaders are “born” in to power (monarchy) or gain power by force (military dictatorship)

Citizens may unite in their loyalty to their ruler and decisions can be made quickly

No individual freedoms given, needs of the citizens not considered, ruler may make poor choices

Unlimited Government—rulers can do anything!

Decisions are made by only a few people—usually the rich and influential

Decisions can be made quickly and good leadership may prevail, as long as no one person takes over

No individual freedoms are given, the needs of the people are not considered, and rulers may make poor choices

Rulers may be called: Aristocrats, Oligarchs

Limited Government—people who make laws also follow the laws!

Time consuming, since everyone gives input

Everyone is involved and has equal power, there is a lot of loyalty and support, individual freedoms are given

People elect representatives to make decisions for them

Rulers are called: King, Queen, Tsar, Czar, Emperor, Tyrant, Dictator

Representatives are called: Senators, Representatives, Presidents, Prime Ministers

Anarchy: no government; very dangerous

Can be found in: Saudi Arabia, the UK, Cuba

Can be found in: China, Russia Can be found in: the USA, India, Mexico