2. I. Major Types of
Government
• A. Governments may
be classified according
to who governs the
state.
3. I. Major Types of Government
• B. In an autocracy
such as a dictatorship
or absolute monarchy,
power and authority
reside in a single
individual.
4. I. Major Types of Government
• C. In an oligarchy,
such as a communist
country, a small group
holds power in the
government.
5. I. Major Types of Government
• D. In a democracy such
as the United States, the
people hold the
sovereign power of
government.
6. II. Characteristics of
Democracy
• A. Government works to
secure equality for its
citizens in the eyes of the
law.
7. II. Characteristics of Democracy
• B. Government is based on
majority rule through the people’s
elected representatives, but respects
the rights of minorities. This is
democracies greatest challenge!
8. II. Characteristics of Democracy
• C. Government is based on free
and open elections in which
every citizen has the right to vote,
every vote has equal weight, and
candidates for office can freely
express their views.
9. II. Characteristics of Democracy
• D. Competing Political parties
choose candidates for office, and
offer voters choices during an
election.
10. III. The Soil of Democracy
• A. Certain conditions or
environments favor the
development of the democratic
system of government and help
to ensure its long-term survival.
11. III. The Soil of Democracy
• B. Active Citizen Participation:
Countries where citizens
participate fully in civic life are
more likely to maintain a strong
democracy.
12. III. The Soil of Democracy
• C. A Strong Economy: Stable,
growing economies with a large
middle class help strengthen
democracies.
13. III. The Soil of Democracy
• D. An Educated Public: A public
school system open to all people
helps promote democracy. Media
and other sources help people
understand important issues.
14. III. The Soil of Democracy
E. A strong civil society: A
network of voluntary organizations
(including economic groups,
religious groups, and many others),
independent of government helps
democracy to flourish.
15. III. The Soil of Democracy
• F. A Social Consensus: The people
accept democratic values such
as individual liberty and equality
for all and share a belief that
democracy is the best form of
government.
