Unit 1Goal 10

Chapters 1 & 5

What is Civics?

Chapter 1

Civics

The study of Citizenship and Government

Citizen

Have certain rights and duties usually citizens of a country or place they live

Government

Ruling authority for a community or society

The Common Good

The ultimate role of the government is to do the greatest good to the greatest number of people without harming others

Why We Need Gov’t?

Make laws

Keep Order

Provide Services

Prevent anarchy

(The absence of government)

Levels of Government

-National

-State

-Local

County

City

Democracy

Republics-- rule by the consent of the people

Democracy (people vote)

Direct democracy-a form of government where each citizens has an actual say in the affairs of government

Representative democracy- a form of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them

Monarchy

Form of government led by a king or a queen

Absolute monarchy

Limited monarchy (restricted)

Example: The Queen of England

Socialist

Type of government where individuals and government share ownership in major businesses and government takes on a greater role in citizen’s lives.

Communist

Type of government where the government owns and controls all aspects of life for its citizens

Karl Marx and Fredrick Engels authors of the Communist Manifesto

AuthoritarianDictatorship-Type of government that is usually controlled by one person who allows very little freedom or opposition

Totalitarianism-Form of government where little freedom or opposition is allowed

Oligarchy-Government that is ruled by a small group of people

Religious

Theocracy-

Type of government that is ruled by religious leaders

The Pope and Vatican City