Download Forms of Government

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Ruled by king
Rule is hereditary (passed down by blood)
Some rulers claim divine right
Practiced in Mycenae by 2000 BC
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Powerful individuals that seized control of the
government by appealing to the common
people
Worked for the interests of the common people
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Ruled by small group of citizens
Rule is usually based on wealth or ability
Ruling group controls the military
Practiced in Sparta by 500 BC
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State ruled by nobility
Rule is hereditary and based on family ties,
social rank, wealth
Social status and wealth support ruler’s
authority
Practiced in Athens before 594 BC
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State ruled by its citizens
Rule is based on citizenship
Majority rule decides vote
Practiced in Athens by about 500 BC
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How big is the society? Which groups live there?
Roles of the people? Are their predetermined roles? Expectations?
Who makes the important decisions?
Who creates the laws?
What are the major laws? Punishments? (3-5)
What kind of freedoms do the people have? Rights?
How does some one become the head of the government?
Election? Heredity?
How long is the head of the government in charge? Election
terms? For life?
Who controls the military?
How are criminal cases solved?
Which groups get to participate? What is the extent of their
participation?
Are rights based on citizenship? Is citizenship available to
everyone? Equality? Who’s left out?