Over the course of history, human governments repeatedly have chosen to place power in the hands of a single person. In our lesson, we discussed the qualities of absolute and constitutional monarchies. In a few sentences, evaluate monarchies as forms of government. In your opinion, does it make sense to place power in the hands of one individual? Why or why not?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: (Answers may focus on the benefits of centralized power in the hands of one person, such as the ease in determining a new leader in a hereditary system. Answers may also focus on the dangers or difficulties in placing power in the hands of a single leader, and they may reference constitutional monarchies as an example of placing checks on a monarch’s power.)
Both federal and unitary states have advantages and disadvantages. While federal states provide opportunities for members to collaborate, unitary states create more centralized governments. Write a short paragraph evaluating unitary states and federal states. In your opinion, which type of state is a more effective way of managing a country's government?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: (Answers discussing federal states may include points about the rights of members, the ability to collaborate or disagree with a federal government, and the benefits of creating a larger government. Answers discussing unitary states may discuss more centralized government, the ability to operate a state more efficiently, and the ability to create and apply laws to all citizens more easily.)
In the east African nation of Somalia, the lack of a central government authority led to military intervention by the United Nations in the 1990s. What consequences might a country face when it deals with a state of anarchy? How can a state of anarchy result in violence and safety risks?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: The lack of governmental authority and structure in a government facing a state of anarchy results in a lack of oversight. During the 1990s, Somalia’s central government devolved into warfare between tribal and warlord leaders, resulting in increases in violence and crime.
North Korea, China, and Cuba are modern examples of governments that legally or practically permit only one political party. In single-party states, other parties and their points of view are prohibited or discouraged. Write a short paragraph discussing a country's motivation for creating a single-party government. Why would a country want to limit the number of parties in its system?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Countries that establish single-party governments may seek to promote unity among residents. They may desire a unified set of goals and procedures for the country’s future. They may also desire stability and protection against change.
Describe the roles of the three basic branches of government. In most countries, these three branches balance each other by sharing power and monitoring one another. What are the roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches?
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: (Student answers should reflect an understanding that a judicial branch monitors the nature of laws created by the government. Executive branches may enact or approve laws, while legislative branches usually are responsible for creating laws and providing representation for citizens.)
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