Student Guide: Comparative Government
Characteristics of a StateEQ: What political theories and historical governmental types have influenced the development of American government?
Think-Pair-Share: What is power? Where does it come from?
Think about your household, circle the source of power your parents exercise over you:
CoercionRewardsPersuasion ExpertiseFormal Authority
The transfer of power from the people to the state gives a government the authority to regulate society i.e. create laws. Peopleallow the government to operate with different levels of authority due to social or economic needs within the state. But once the state goes beyond the power given to it by the people, the people have the right to ______against an ______authority.
What argument could someone make promoting an “illegitimate” government?
We can boil all forms of governments into 2 main categories based on characteristics. On the “T” chart, classify each characteristic that can be found in authoritarian or democratic governments.Individual freedom / Pluralism / Quick decisions / Few political parties / Private Property
Inactive electorate / Inherited power / Free elections / Economic control / Freedom of speech
Ruled by few / Laws take time / Majority Rule / Power by force / Media Control
Place the following types of governments where you think they fall on the spectrum below:
Socialist / Classical republican / Theocracy / Direct democracyTribal / Dictatorship / Absolute monarchy / Constitutional Monarchy
If you believe a government type is more democratic than another, place it more to the right or move it more to the left for authoritarian.
The size and regional needs of any state or country can define the relationship that exists between levels of government. Turn to a partner and try to describe each of the following:
Identify Type of Government / Define Government Type(Include at least 3 characteristics) / How many branches of gov.? / 1 comparison and 1 contrast w/ U.S. Government Type
Great Britain / -
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Japan / -
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Russia / -
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China / -
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North Korea / -
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Name:______Per.:___Date:______
Looking further into Great Britain, what advantage does a prime minister have over legislation, and how does that differ from our presidential federal system?