Early Forms of Government

Study Notes

A system of government where power is held by one person, usually a king or queen
Often hereditary, with power passed down through family lines
Decision-making authority rests with the monarch, with little to no input from citizens
Examples: Ancient Egypt, Kingdom of Babylon, Medieval Europe

Developed in ancient Athens, Greece (500 BCE)
System of government where power is held by citizens, either directly or through elected representatives
Key features:
- Citizens had the right to participate in decision-making through assemblies and councils
- Election of officials and leaders
- Protection of individual rights and freedoms
- Rotation of offices to prevent abuse of power
Limited to male citizens, with women, slaves, and non-citizens excluded

Independent cities or towns that govern themselves, often with their own laws and institutions
Examples: Ancient Greece (e.g., Athens, Sparta), Renaissance Italy (e.g., Florence, Venice)
Characteristics:
- Small, geographically distinct territories
- Often had their own economies, militaries, and cultures
- Governed through various systems, including monarchies, democracies, and oligarchies

System of government in ancient Rome (509-27 BCE)
Mixed constitution, combining elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy
Key features:
- Elected representatives (senators) advised the government
- Consuls (elected leaders) held executive power
- Assemblies of citizens had the power to pass laws and elect officials
- System of checks and balances to prevent abuse of power

System of government in tribal societies, often found in indigenous cultures
Decision-making authority rests with a council of leaders or elders
Key features:
- Collective decision-making, with input from all members
- Often based on consensus or majority agreement
- Emphasis on community and shared responsibility
- Examples: Native American tribes, African tribes, and some Pacific Island nations

Characterized by a single ruler, usually a king or queen, holding power
Often hereditary, with power passing down through family lines
Decision-making authority rests solely with the monarch, with little to no citizen input
Examples include Ancient Egypt, Kingdom of Babylon, and Medieval Europe

Developed in ancient Athens, Greece around 500 BCE
System where power is held by citizens, either directly or through elected representatives
Key features:
- Citizens have the right to participate in decision-making through assemblies and councils
- Officials and leaders are elected
- Individual rights and freedoms are protected
- Rotation of offices prevents abuse of power
Limited to male citizens, excluding women, slaves, and non-citizens

Independent cities or towns governing themselves, often with their own laws and institutions
Examples include Ancient Greece (e.g., Athens, Sparta), Renaissance Italy (e.g., Florence, Venice)
Characteristics:
- Small, geographically distinct territories
- Often have their own economies, militaries, and cultures
- Governed through various systems, including monarchies, democracies, and oligarchies

System of government in ancient Rome (509-27 BCE)
Mixed constitution combining elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy
Key features:
- Elected representatives (senators) advise the government
- Consuls (elected leaders) hold executive power
- Assemblies of citizens have the power to pass laws and elect officials
- System of checks and balances prevents abuse of power

System of government in tribal societies, often found in indigenous cultures
Decision-making authority rests with a council of leaders or elders
Key features:
- Collective decision-making, with input from all members
- Often based on consensus or majority agreement
- Emphasis on community and shared responsibility
- Examples include Native American tribes, African tribes, and some Pacific Island nations