What Is A Government

Today in Social Studies We did the matrix workshop and I decided to choose the topic "What Is A Government"

What is a Government?

A government is the term used to describe:

• The system of rules used to run a community,
• The people who make and administer those roles.

All around the world different countries and communities have different types of governments. In New Zealand we have a democracy for a government. This means that people vote on which rules we have and which people are responsible for making and administering these rules.

In some countries there is only one person who is in charge and they make all the rules that people are responsible for following. This is a dictatorship.

Some countries even have no government which is called anarchy. This means that people live without any rules but often when there is no government someone will try to step in and take power for themselves.

Questions - either make a copy of this document and save it into your social studies folder or write the questions and answers into your book.

1. Write down any words you have never heard before and find the dictionary definition for them e.g. anarchy.

1a. I know what they mean.

2. Do you think that countries or communities that are bigger (more people) need a more complex government system than smaller ones need?

2a. No because then it will get more confusing?

3. What benefit(s) do you think people gain from being in a group?

3a. They may feel that they don't have as much pressure put on them which takes off stress.

4. How can having a leader or group of leaders help people?

4a. A group of leaders can help because everything won’t be put on one person.

5. Why do you think some countries have or prefer to have no government (anarchy)?

5a. Maybe because they feel as though that everyone can speak freely and have more choice in a decision.

Democracy

Democracy has four different elements (parts) they are:

1. A political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections.
2. The active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life.
3. Protection of the human rights of all citizens.
4. A rule of law, in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens.

5 Dictators Of The Past And Present

1. Kim Jong-Un
2. Xi Jinping
3. Vladimir Putin
4. Hun Sen
5. Paul Biya

Eight Countries That Are Still Governed By Dictators

1. Afghanistan
2. Angolia
3. Cameroon
4. Brunei
5. Russia
6. China
7. North Korea
8. Belarus

What Is Burma Also Known As?

The country Burma is also known as Myanmar.

Who Is The Leader Of The Country?

The current leader of Myanmar is Win Myint.

Monarchy

• A Monarchy is a form of government in which a group, generally family representing a dynasty embodies the country's national identity and its head, the monarch (King/Queen) exercises the role of sovereignty. 
• These were very common in ancient times right through to early 20th century.
• Most Monarchs today are nearly all symbolic rather than actual rulers. There are still a few exceptions in Africa and Asia but Great Britain, Netherlands, Sweden and Spain are now governed by the national Parliament.

Theocracy

A Theocracy is a country ruled by a religious elite.  

It is a system of governance composed of religious institutions in which the state and the church are traditionally or constitutionally the same entity. If you are clergy you have the right to govern. 

Examples: The Vatican (Pope), Iran (Supreme leader), Tibetan Government (Dalai Lama), Caliphates and other Islamic States are historically considered theocracies. 

Find these countries and add them to your map. Colour them in differently to Dictators and Monarchs. Add them to your key.

Communism

A theory or system of social organization in which all property owned by the community and each person contributes and receives according to their ability and needs. Can we think of any communist communities in New Zealand? 

1.Where did Communism begin?

Europe, and the first country was Russia

2.Who was the father of communism? 

The father of communism was called Karl Marx

3.What are the main points?
(come up with 3) 

The aim of communism is to set up a better version of society

The goal of communism is to create a stateless, classless society

Karl Marx wrote a book about The Communist Manifesto