Systems of Government Educational Resources K12 Learning, Government, Government Lesson Plans, Activities, Experiments, Homeschool Help

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

The idea of no rules sounds pretty fun.

But what would our homes, communities, and world be like without rules?
What would towns, states, and countries be like without government?

Take some time to think about it. Then, dive into this lesson to discover what else you can learn on this topic!

Why do we have governments?

All countries require governments so they can function. Governments provide laws, structure, public services, and national defense.

Read What Are the Different Types of Governments? to see a complete list. Try to think of past or current countries that fit into these categories.

Now, take a closer look at the following four systems: democracy, monarchy, dictatorship, and communism.

Democracy

Democracy is a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but it is usually exercised indirectly through a system of representation and delegated authority that is periodically renewed.

Watch the video below to learn more.

Monarchy

Monarchy is a government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of a monarch who reigns over a state or territory, usually for life and by hereditary right. The monarch may be either a sole, absolute ruler, or a sovereign — such as a king, queen, or prince — with constitutionally limited authority.

Watch the video below to learn more.

Dictatorship

Dictatorship is a form of government in which a ruler or small clique wields absolute power (not restricted by a constitution or laws).

Watch the next video to learn more.

Communism

Communism is a system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single — often authoritarian — party holds power. State controls are imposed with the elimination of private ownership of property and capital while claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people (i.e., a classless society).

Watch this final video to learn more.

Look over the map below that labels systems of government across the globe.

forms of government

Map Legend
blue	full presidential republics
green	parliamentary republics with an executive presidency dependent on the legislature
yellow	semi-presidential republics
orange	parliamentary republics
red	parliamentary constitutional monarchies in which the monarch does not personally exercise power
magenta	dual system constitutional monarchies in which the monarch personally exercises power (often alongside a weak parliament)
purple	absolute monarchies
brown	single-party state
olive	countries in which constitutional provisions for the government have been suspended (e.g., military dictatorships)
gray	no government