The Basics of Government and

Economic SystemsWorld Studies

What is government? A government is a

body that has the power to make and the authority to enforce rules and laws.

Most people believe that govt. should serve the people, but to what extent is up for debate.

Authoritarian Systems In Authoritarian systems, one

person/family has complete control over the government.

Freedom is very limited in authoritarian systems since one person has all the power.

Monarchies led by kings or

emperors…power is passed down through family (hereditary).

Dictatorships led by one powerful

ruler, such as Adolf Hitler of Germany or Kim Jong Il of North Korea.

Constitutional MonarchyQueen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles

Absolute MonarchyKing Abdul Aziz Abd-al Rahman bin Turki bin Abdullah bin

Muhammad bin Saud

Democratic Systems In Democratic

systems, citizens have the right to choose their leaders (or to become leaders themselves.)

Direct Democracy • citizens vote directly on issues.• Open to anyone willing to participate.

Representative Democracy • citizens elect others to govern for them (this

is what we have in the USA)• in a representative democracy, every vote

has equal weight, no restrictions can apply to anyone wanting to become a representative, and the freedom of its citizens is secured by rights and liberties which are generally protected by a constitution.

Other Types of Government

Theocracy- a government led by a religious leader.

Founded on the basis of religious law• Example: Iran• Shaira: Islamic Law

Levels of Government National govt. (USA) deals with issues

related to the entire country (defense, printing of $, taxes)

Regional govt. (Illinois) deals with state issues (schools, state laws, state taxes)

Local govt. (Chicago) deals with local issues (streets, sanitation, police)

Economic Systems Traditional Economy

• People produce most of what they need to survive

• Hunting and gathering are the basis for this economy

Market Economy• Individuals buy and sell goods and services• Businesses and industries produce and sell

goods for money

Command Economy• The government controls what goods are

produced, and how they are produced and what they cost.

Mixed Economy• Most nations have a mixed economy• Individuals make some decisions and the

government makes others.• The United States has a mixed economy.

HomeworkLEFT HAND COLUMN

You must have at least 3 questions and 3 main ideas

SUMMARY

D – What did you do? L – What did you learn? I – What did you find

interesting? Q – Write a question