A Government for Xlandia Presentation PDF

Unit I: Democracy & Its Features (A Government for Xlandia)  What is democracy? What are democratic governments? Why is democracy believed to be the “ideal” form of Essential government? Questions What are the roles and responsibilities of a...

Unit I: Democracy & Its Features (A Government for Xlandia)  What is democracy? What are democratic governments? Why is democracy believed to be the “ideal” form of Essential government? Questions What are the roles and responsibilities of a leader in a democratic government? What are the responsibilities of the three branches of government? What responsibility does a citizen have to vote?  Types of Government Using the provided envelopes, paper, and your laptops: Jigsaw Correctly arrange the the strips of paper with information under Headings: the correct heading (form of government). Glue or tape them to the paper. Oligarchy Monarchy You may use your laptop to find information. Theocracy Authoritarian Totalitarian  The word means “rule by one.” The monarch (usually a king or queen) is the head of state for life or until they abdicate. Monarchy The succession is generally hereditary, meaning they inherit their position from their family lineage. Examples: In an absolute monarchy, the monarch has nearly unlimited power and authority over the government and the people. Absolute: Brunei, Saudi In a crowned republic, political decisions and policies are determined Arabia, Oman through democratic processes, and the government is responsible for Crowned: San Marino running the country's affairs. The monarch holds a ceremonial role, and their powers do not extend to political decision-making. Constitutional: Japan, UK, Spain, Netherlands In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution or a set of laws. The real political power usually rests with an elected parliament or governing body.  It is a political and economic ideology that opposes capitalism. It advocates for a classless system. The ideology was developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels' "Communist Manifesto," published in 1848. Wealth and resources are distributed according to need, aiming to eliminate Communism economic inequality and class divisions There is no private property; the state shares or owns everything. The idea is to eliminate the class structure (e.g., the rich versus the poor), Examples: Cuba, Viet Nam, Laos, North and everyone works for the common good. Korea, China The economy is typically centrally planned, meaning the government makes all decisions about production and distribution. Marx and Engles argued that the working class (proletariat) would eventually overthrow the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and establish a communist society.  The word means “rule by a few.” Traditionally, this has been used to describe a group of aristocrats (people of noble blood). It has been used in modern times to describe governments run by warlords Oligarchy or a military junta. It can also include transitional councils established to help guide a country Examples: Burkina out of conflict. Faso, Myanmar, Power is concentrated within a small number of individuals or families. Only Sudan this select group has a meaningful say in political matters. Often perpetuates social and economic inequality, as the ruling elite usually China, Iran and possess disproportionate wealth and resources compared to the rest of the Russia (debated) population. Decisions made by the elite can sometimes be self-serving and not necessarily in the best interest of the entire society.  The word means “rule by a representative of god or a deity.” Historically, the ruler was believed to be chosen by god and wielded absolute power. Theocracy Nowadays, the ruler uses their position to enforce holy scripture on all aspects of society (law, education, military, etc.). Religious leaders, such as clergy members or religious figures, Examples: Saudi Arabia, Iran, the often hold high-ranking positions in the government. Vatican Religious principles serve as the basis for the country's laws and regulations. Religious leaders may directly control the government, or there may be a strong collaboration between religious and political authorities.  The word is defined as “blind submission to authority.” It is characterized by the weakening or limiting the rule of law, the separation of powers, the freedom of speech and democratic voting. Often, democratic institutions are left in place but are only for show. They are not meant to operate in a free and fair manner. Authoritarian Often referred to as a “hybrid democracy.” Authority is concentrated in the hands of a single leader, the ruling party, or Examples: Belarus, a small elite. Russia, Egypt, Restricts political competition and limits the formation of independent Afghanistan, Cuba political parties or groups. Citizens' freedoms, such as freedom of speech, press, assembly, and association, are curtailed or suppressed. Critics, opposition leaders, and activists who challenge the government's authority may face harassment, imprisonment, or violence.  An extreme form of authoritarianism. The leader usually prohibits opposition parties, restricts individual opposition to the state and its claims, and exercises a high degree of control over public and private life. Totalitarian Propaganda and a climate of fear are used to stifle rebellion and free thought. The government aims to shape and control people's beliefs, values, and Examples: North behaviours. Korea, Eritrea Any form of political, social, or cultural opposition is actively suppressed. Propaganda and state-controlled media shape public opinion and create a sense of loyalty and devotion to the ruling regime. Leaders are often portrayed as infallible and all-knowing figures, and a personality cult is cultivated around them to ensure unwavering loyalty and obedience.  Complete the following prompt: Wraparound “One fact I learned from the activity about the different types Review of governments was…..” October 4th, 2024 Note Limited government = democratic government with a Taking: constitution Limited vs. Unlimited government = all others forms of government Unlimited Governments  Democracy is a form of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives. Note Core Principles: Taking: ○ Popular sovereignty ○ Rule of law What is ○ Individual rights and freedoms democracy? ○ Majority rule with respect for minority rights ○ Free and fair elections ○ Accountability and transparency of government officials  Known as the birthplace of democracy, Athens developed a system of direct democracy around the 5th century BCE. The Origins of Rome contributed to democratic ideas through its mixed Democracy: republican form of government, with elements of democracy, A Short oligarchy, and monarchy. History A landmark document in England, the Magna Carta (1215) limited the power of the king and laid the groundwork for constitutional government.  Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke (life, liberty, property), Montesquieu (separation of powers), and Jean-Jacques Rousseau (will of the people) developed key democratic ideas. The Origins of The American Revolution (1775-1783) asserted the right to Democracy: self-governance and the principles of individual rights and A Short government by consent. History The French Revolution resulted in the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789) which articulated the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.  Types of Democracies Direct Democracy: Where citizens directly participate in decision-making. Representative Democracy: Where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Mixed Systems: Combining elements of both direct and representative democracy (e.g., referendums within representative systems).  A constitution is a set of rules that guides how a country, state, or other political organization works. It establishes the structure and powers of the various branches What is a of government and details how these branches interact and Constitution? function to maintain a system of checks and balances. It specifies the distribution of powers and responsibilities among these branches to ensure that no single branch becomes too powerful.  It includes provisions for the protection of individual rights and liberties, setting the legal framework for governance and the rule What is a of law. Constitution? It can be amended to reflect changes in society, politics, or values through a referendum, a direct vote (referendum) in which the citizens are asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal.  The Congress of the Union (the legislature) can pass laws, and the President has the power to veto them. The legislature can override Mexico : the President's veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers An Example of of Congress (the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies). Checks and Balances The judiciary, including the Supreme Court of Justice, has the power to interpret laws and ensure their constitutionality. Supreme Court justices are nominated by the President and must be approved by a two-thirds majority in the Senate. The executive branch, headed by the President, enforces laws. The judiciary has the authority to review executive actions and rule on their legality and constitutionality.  Written 1. How do checks and balances help to prevent the abuse of Reflection power in a democratic government? Step 1: Finish writing the 2. In what ways do checks and balances promote accountability notes about democracy in your notebook (slides 15-18). and transparency within a democratic system? Step 2: Complete the reflection in your notebook. 3. What historical or contemporary examples can you identify of Write in paragraphs using countries without checks and balances? complete sentences. Don’t forget to self-edit your work. 4. What are the key characteristics of governments that Don’t forget to turn in your notebook when done. operate without a system of checks and balances?  Key Question How can we, as members of the UN Task Force on Xlandia’s Government, recommend what kind of government to create so that the nation will become a successful democracy? Schema Map Review the Profile of Xlandia. Using the yellow post-its, write what you already know about Xlandia (schema). Place one piece of knowledge per post-it. Using the purple/pink post-its, write questions or wonders that you have about Xlandia. Place one question/wonder per post-it.  1. Which democracies were similar? What significant differences did they have? Reflection 2. How are these countries similar to Mexico’s 9 October democracy? 2024 3. What features did these countries have that were similar to the pre-existing government of Xlandia?  Markers of a Strong Democracy: A Strong Middle Class Provides a large pool of people who pay taxes and want a say in how the government is run. Gives the democracy a strong base of support and a group of people who will serve as leaders, both at the local and national levels.  Markers of a Strong Democracy: A Classless Education System A democracy needs political participants. The working class and the poor must have access to education. If all people are literate, they are better able to develop an understanding of political issues, make informed judgments about candidates for elective office, and participate in political discourse.  Markers of a Strong Democracy: An Understanding of Democratic Principles Education teaches aspects of democracy to the young. This gives the nation a strong base of support for its institutions as well as a pool of participants and potential leaders.  Markers of a Strong Democracy: A Political Consensus The majority of people need to believe in democratic principles and must see the establishment of a democracy as a positive force that will help them in the long run. Democracies cannot be forced upon an unwilling people because it requires the participation and commitment of the people in order to survive.  Markers of a Strong Democracy: A Growing Economy Poverty and stagnation do not foster democracy — these conditions tend to bring about authoritarian systems of government like fascism. Equal economic opportunities need to be provided for the middle, working, and lower classes.  Markers of a Strong Democracy: A Free Press Democracy requires a free press that is allowed to report information about what the government is doing. A free press helps to limit government corruption. A free press seeks the truth and shares with citizens new arguments and ideas.  Markers of a Strong Democracy: A Professional Military It serves the people and is controlled by the civilian government. It does not participate in politics, and its leaders do not hold political office or control legislative or executive functions. Let’s Review Join the Blooket!  1. What makes a democratic government successful? Group 2. What makes it a failure? Discussion 3. What are some examples of a success democracy? What are some examples of unsuccessful democracies?  Think back to the Profile of Xlandia: 1. Which of these markers does Xlandia have? Group Discussion 2. What does Xlandia lack that could cause its new democracy to fail? 9A Country Task Force Teams Sit at the table associated with your assigned country task force team. 9B Country Task Force Teams Sit at the table associated with your assigned country task force team. 9C Country Task Force Teams Sit at the table associated with your assigned country task force team. 9D Country Task Force Teams Sit at the table associated with your assigned country task force team.  Bring a pencil OR blue/black pen No laptops or tablets Bring a book to read when finished One class period to write the exam Unit Exam Types of Questions: Overview Multiple choice Matching True or False Short Answer  What to Study: A Government for Xlandia – Presentation Unit Exam What is Democracy? – Notes Checks & Balances Written Reflection Overview Markers of a Strong Democracy – Graphic Organizer Preliminary Recommendations to the ARFX - Worksheet