Government Understandings Part 1

Learn about Autocratic vs. Democratic governments!

Citizen Participation: Democratic Government: Fill in the blanks with the terms that make the passage correct. People have different rightswhen it comes to participating in governments. In some countries, people hold the power and elect their leaders or rulers. They vote on their leaders. Because many people are involved in making decisions and solving problems, responding to a crisis often takes time. Citizen Participation in Government: Autocratic: Fill in the blanks with the terms that make the passage correct. There are countries that have only one ruler. This type of ruler may come to power through family bloodlines, like a king or queen. Others may be dictators who came into power because of military strength. Citizens in countries with this type of government have no say in the laws or how the government runs. Such rulers often do not do what is best for their country and its people. Autocratic Government Type of rule: single ruler Who holds the power: the ruler Who can be elected: No one! Ruler determined by birthright or force Who can vote: No one! There are no elections. Example: Russia when ruled by Czar Nicholas II or by Joseph Stalin Democratic Government Type of rule: citizens of the country through voting Who holds the power: voting citizens Who can be elected: Any citizen (with a few restrictions) Who can vote: Any citizen (with a few restrictions) Example: Russia after collapse of Soviet Union. Complete the diagram by labeling it with descriptions from the word bank. Low Participation Government Participation Citizen Participation Government Participation Citizen Participation High Participation