Government

Government

Why do communities need governments? How and why do governments form, and what are their roles and responsibilities toward their citizens?

Government

Communities have had leaders since the beginning of history. Indigenous Native Americans used chiefs and tribal councils. Meanwhile, the ancient Inca Empire was controlled by the Sapa Inca. In today’s world, most nations are ruled by large governments. These governments have important responsibilities. Every government is a little bit different.

Basic Types of Government Around the World

There are many different types of government. Each one has a different amount of power and control over its citizens. The most common forms of government include monarchy, dictatorship, and democracy.

A monarchy is a government ruled by a queen or king. The earliest monarchies gave the king or queen total power. Over time, the constitutional monarchy came to be. In a constitutional monarchy, Parliament holds most governing power. The king or queen is a symbol for the country.

Basic Types of Government

A dictatorship is another type of government. In a dictatorship, one leader holds all of the power. A dictator is usually not restricted by any laws. A dictator can control the people however he or she wants. People in a dictatorship have very little control over the laws that they must follow.

A democracy is another type of government. America is a representative democracy. In this form of government, officials are elected by citizens. Citizens vote for senators, the President, and more. The United States values its democracy. It gives citizens certain freedoms, liberties, and protections under the law.

Multiple Choice

Which type of government has the most control over its citizens?

• Monarchy

• Democracy

• Kingdom

• Dictatorship

Multiple Choice

What is a constitutional monarchy?

• A type of government without a leader.

• A type of government in which the people vote to elect their leaders.

• A type of government with a leader who makes all the decisions and controls the people.

• A type of government where a king or queen is an important symbol for the country. 👑

Multiple Choice

What is a dictatorship?

• A type of government run by a king or queen. 👑

• A type of government in which the people vote to elect their leaders.

• A type of government with a leader who makes all the decisions and controls the people.

• A type of government without a leader.

The Purposes of Forming Government

Governments have many different purposes. Most importantly, governments establish law and order. They organize the community. This protects all citizens. It lets people live in peace and security.

The federal government of the United States was created for six reasons. These six reasons are listed in the U.S. Constitution. The first of these was to “form a more perfect union”. This union would work to improve the lives of all citizens. The United States government also seeks to “establish justice”. It does so by making all laws and punishments fair and reliable.

Multiple Select

What is the purpose of a government? Choose all that apply.

• To make the community hard to control.

• To keep the community in order.

• To build houses for the community

• To create laws.

• To create peace in a community.

The Roles of Laws Within Communities

Governments keep their promises of peace and security by creating laws. Laws are a system of rules. They are used to keep order and enforce punishments.

Laws play important roles in every community. They teach citizens what is acceptable behavior. Laws that forbid violence and other harmful behaviors remind community members not to commit such acts. This helps to keep the community in order. There would be chaos without laws. Laws help to protect innocent citizens. They explain how culprits should be punished.

The Roles of Laws

Laws protect the rights and liberties of all citizens. Freedom of speech, religion, and more are all protected by laws in America. This helps all citizens trust that they can live their lives without fear. They will not be punished for practicing their religion or sharing their opinion.

Multiple Choice

How do laws affect citizens?

• They scare citizens.

• They protect the liberties citizens.

• They don't let citizens do anything fun.

• They let citizens do whatever they want.

Responsibilities of Local Government

Large federal or state governments are in charge of millions of citizens. Meanwhile, local governments are in charge of specific towns and cities. Mayors and city councils often lead local governments. Local governments have many responsibilities. They work on housing, public transportation, public health, parks, courts, fire, and police departments, and more.

Multiple Choice

True or false. Most nations are ruled by a large government.

• True

• False