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Government Structures Introduction

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Government Structures Introduction

Explore how power is organized in different governments. Read the civic scenario and the reference grid, then answer each question. For open-ended questions, responses may vary; use accurate civic reasoning and evidence.

A quick reference: who holds power?

Use these descriptions to distinguish government structures. Real countries can combine features of more than one structure.

DEMOCRACY Political power comes from the people, often through elections and participation.

MONARCHY A monarch, such as a king or queen, is the head of state. The monarch’s actual power varies by country.

OLIGARCHY A small group holds most political power. The group may be defined by wealth, family ties, military influence, or another advantage.

AUTHORITARIAN GOVERNMENT Power is concentrated in a leader or ruling group; political competition and civil liberties are often restricted.

FEDERAL SYSTEM Power is divided between a national government and regional governments, such as states.

CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT A constitution sets rules and limits on government power. A country may be both constitutional and democratic.

Identify the structure

Choose the best answer for each situation.

1.In a country, voters choose representatives in competitive elections, and citizens can organize opposition parties. Which feature is most clearly present?

Democratic political participation
Rule by a hereditary monarch
Rule by a small oligarchy
Authoritarian control

2.A queen is the ceremonial head of state, while elected lawmakers make policy and a constitution limits government power. Which statement is most accurate?

It is necessarily an authoritarian government.
It can be a constitutional monarchy with democratic institutions.
It is an oligarchy because one person is head of state.
It cannot have a constitution.

3.A small circle of business and military leaders makes national decisions, while most residents have little influence. Which structure best describes who holds power?

4.Mark each statement True or False. A. In a government where power is concentrated in a leader or ruling group, political opposition and civil liberties are often restricted. B. Every monarchy gives its monarch unlimited governing power. C. A country can be both democratic and constitutional.

TrueFalse

The fossil-site decision

At a fictional dinosaur dig in the United States, a fossil is discovered on land managed by the state. The nearby town council is considering visitor rules for roads and services it manages. State officials are considering rules for the site. The national government may have a role if federal land or federal law is involved. Residents are asking to give their views.

5.The town council proposes limits on traffic along town-managed roads to protect visitors and the dig. Which level of government is acting?

Local government
State government
Federal government
A monarch

6.The United States divides authority between the national government and state governments. What is this arrangement called?

7.Jayden argues that residents should be able to speak at a public meeting before the town council decides. Explain one way public input can support democratic government.

8.Match each US government level with the example that best fits it in this scenario.

Local
State
Federal

Rules concerning land managed by the state
Possible role involving federal land or federal law
Town rules for town-managed roads

Analyze and explain

Use examples and precise civic vocabulary in your responses.

9.Complete the statement: When leaders can make decisions without meaningful political competition and restrict opposition, this is a feature of government.

10.Compare democracy with a system in which power is concentrated and opposition is restricted. Give one difference in how political power is gained or challenged, and explain one reason that civil liberties matter to this comparison.