Question
How does citizenship in the U.S. compare to citizenship under other forms of government? What type of government does the United States have exactly? What other types of government are there around the world?
There are many different categories and subcategories, but we will focus on just a few general types. A nation can be ruled in one of the five ways listed below:
Rule by one person, known as an autocracy (such as a monarch, emperor, or dictator).
Rule by an elite group of individuals, known as an aristocracy (or oligarchy).
Rule by a religion or religious authority, known as a theocracy.
Rule by the citizens, or a democracy.
Rule by no one or chaos, known as anarchy (usually a temporary or transitional state, and therefore not addressed here).
Historically, the autocratic form of government has been the most prominent. The most common form of government from ancient times until the early twentieth century was monarchy, or rule by a king or queen. In ancient and medieval times, absolute monarchy was common. In an absolute monarchy, the ruler had absolute power or total control. The ruler made the laws, determined penalties, controlled wealth, and determined who would serve in positions of authority. The average citizen had no rights other than what the ruler gave to him or her. The monarch determined punishment for crimes or other perceived wrongdoings. The ruler’s word was final.
As time passed, monarchs were forced to share power (limited monarchy). To prevent losing political and financial support, even the strongest kings and emperors eventually had to accept a system of laws that protected the rights and privileges of powerful social and economic classes. For example, in England, powerful land-owning nobles forced King John to share limited power with them by signing the Magna Carta. Under a limited monarchy, those who were not in the privileged classes, like the English nobles, usually had no more individual rights than under an absolute monarchy.
England’s King John signing the Magna Carta
Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
England’s King John signing the Magna Carta, 1215
This sharing of power eventually evolved into constitutional monarchies. Most present-day monarchies are governed by a constitution and the monarch is mostly symbolic rather than the actual ruler of their countries.
Another autocratic form of government is dictatorship. The dictator, who is often a military leader, controls the political power. The dictator and his elite make and enforce the laws and operate the government. Individual rights are usually repressed in order for the ruling regime to gain and maintain power. One of the best known examples is Nazi Germany, ruled by Adolph Hitler.
While some societies began as an aristocracy, ruled by privileged groups (usually wealthy landowners), many aristocracies evolved over time. For example, when monarchs began to share power, like the example of England above, the powerful nobles became the ruling class. They usually remained loyal to the monarch as long as they were allowed to govern their own regions. Again, in an aristocracy, the average citizen had no special rights other than what was allowed them by the monarch or the aristocrats.
In a theocracy, a god or deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler. The god or deity makes the laws and grants rights to individuals. The deity’s laws are interpreted by religious authorities or a single religious figure. Often, the religious authorities in these societies evolve into a ruling class or aristocracy. Examples of theocracies include ancient Israel before it became a monarchy and some modern Islamic states.
Socialism is a system in which the production and distribution of goods and services is a shared responsibility of a group of people. It believes that the means of making, moving, and trading wealth should be owned or controlled by the workers. Under socialism, wealth and income would be shared more equally among people. Cuba is an example of a socialist nation. Its economy is state run and it has no stock exchange. Healthcare and education are all managed and administered by the government. Democratic socialism describes a socialist economy where production and wealth are collectively owned, but the country has a democratic system of government. The goal of democratic socialism is to achieve socialist goals of equality while opposing socialist ideologies. Many northern European countries enjoy prosperity and economic equality thanks to the policies pursued by social democratic parties.
Under communism, like socialism, the goal is a higher social order in which the people equally share all goods and a classless society is created. The USSR was both communist and socialist. Under communism, the central government also plans and controls the economy, but a single political party holds all power. Individuals cannot own property or businesses. Everything is controlled by the state. The ruling party usually extends that economic control to other areas of individual life. Most individual rights are eliminated in the name of the good of society.
Democracy, a form of government in which citizens choose leaders by voting, was first attempted on a large scale in ancient Greece, specifically in Athens. In fact, the word democracy is Greek, meaning “power of the people.” Theoretically, in a democracy, every adult can influence group decisions. Athens was a direct democracy, in which all citizens vote on every civic issue. Under this system, all men were considered naturally equal. Citizens had the right to vote, to own property and slaves, to have a trial by jury, to assemble, and to speak freely and debate. In return, citizens were expected to vote on leaders and issues and to pay taxes. Of course, citizenship was available only to adult Athenian males. Women, children, and slaves were excluded. Athenian democracy ended with the rise of the emperor Alexander the Great.
Later, in ancient Rome, during the Roman republic period, a form of democracy existed. Citizens voted for their leaders, called tribunes, but the tribunes really held most of the power. The Roman democracy also came to an end with the rise of an empire (monarchy).
The Constitution of the United States of America, adopted in 1788, ushered in the era of modern democracy. The American form of government is a constitutional democracy, in which the sovereign power of the people is spelled out in a governing constitution. Unlike the Greek direct democracy, the U.S. Constitution called for a democratic republic, in which citizens vote for representatives to make laws and policy decisions in their place. The Greek idea of the equality of all people was actually written into the U.S. Constitution, along with other basic human rights. The first ten amendments to the constitution spelled out the specific rights granted to all Americans and became known as The Bill of Rights.
The United States Bill of Rights
Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The United States Bill of Rights
As in ancient Greece, the constitutional democracy of the United States includes the right to vote, to own property, to have a trial by jury, to assemble, and to speak freely and debate. Also like Greece, in the beginning, only adult male non-slaves were allowed to vote. Later amendments to the Constitution extended the right to vote to women and former slaves. All adult citizens are now guaranteed the right to vote.
The concept of constitutional democracy soon spread to other nations. Today, constitutional democracies, along with different forms of constitutional monarchies, are the most common forms of government around the world.
Four forms of government
Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Four forms of government in countries worldwide as of 2016
Key
Blue: constitutional democracy (fully presidential systems)
Orange: constitutional monarchy or parliamentary democracy (fully parliamentary systems) Light green: hybrid systems (semi-presidential republics and parliamentary republics with executive presidencies)
Dark green: autocracies (single-party states, military dictatorships, absolute monarchies)
Grey: transitional or provisional governments
The U.S. Constitution expanded on the democratic ideas of the Greeks and incorporated some new ones. For example, beyond just a right to have a trial by jury, there is a right to due process, the rule that a legal case must proceed in a way that protects the rights of all the people involved. There is also a right to equal protection under the law, the right of all persons to have the same access to the law and courts and to be treated equally. Beyond the right to vote, there is a right to participate directly (by holding public office) or indirectly (by voting for representatives) to help the government to function. The rights to vote, to hold public office, and to petition for changes in laws or policies are guaranteed for all citizens. Other individual rights guaranteed by the Constitution include freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, protection from unreasonable searches and seizures of property, protection from incriminating oneself under oath, a measure of privacy, and freedom to make contracts and own businesses.
Of course, the privilege of all these rights also comes with certain responsibilities. American citizens are expected to support and defend the Constitution and to participate in the democratic process. This participation involves voting, staying informed of the issues affecting their community, respecting and obeying all laws (federal, state, and local), and serving on a jury when called upon. Citizens are also expected to pay federal, state, and local taxes and to respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
Directions: Match the term with the correct definition
A. Rule by the citizens
B. Citizens vote for representatives
C. Ruled by a religion
D. Military leader controls power
E. Rule by one person
F. Rule by a hereditary king or queen
G. Rule by no one, chaos
H. Seeks just and equal distribution
I. Rule by an elite group
J. Single political party controls all
Autocracy
Aristocracy
Anarchy
Communism
Democracy
Democratic republic
Dictatorship
Monarchy
Socialism
Theocracy
Multiple Choice
In a legal case, what does due process mean?
all people are to be treated equally
the rights of all people involved are protected
trial by jury
right to an attorney
In a legal case, what does equal protection under the law mean?
all people are to be treated equally
the rights of all people involved are protected
trial by jury
right to an attorney
Who is eligible to vote in the United States?
citizens of any age
only adult men
only those who own property
non-citizens
all adult citizens
Which two types of government apply to the United States (choose 2 answers)?
direct democracy
constitutional democracy
constitutional monarchy
democratic republic
Which two freedoms are guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution? (choose 2 answers)
freedom of speech
freedom of religion
freedom to refuse to pay taxes
freedom to infringe on the rights of others
Which of the following are responsibilities of American citizens (choose 2 answers)?
voting
allowing experts who are informed of issues to make decisions
respecting and obeying all laws
holding public officeThere are few requirements of American citizens, but some things are expected of responsible citizens. Briefly discuss some of the requirements and responsibilities of good citizens (name at least 3). You may use examples from the reading or outside knowledge.
There are many different categories and subcategories, but we will focus on just a few general types. A nation can be ruled in one of the five ways listed below:
Rule by one person, known as an autocracy (such as a monarch, emperor, or dictator).
Rule by an elite group of individuals, known as an aristocracy (or oligarchy).
Rule by a religion or religious authority, known as a theocracy.
Rule by the citizens, or a democracy.
Rule by no one or chaos, known as anarchy (usually a temporary or transitional state, and therefore not addressed here).
Historically, the autocratic form of government has been the most prominent. The most common form of government from ancient times until the early twentieth century was monarchy, or rule by a king or queen. In ancient and medieval times, absolute monarchy was common. In an absolute monarchy, the ruler had absolute power or total control. The ruler made the laws, determined penalties, controlled wealth, and determined who would serve in positions of authority. The average citizen had no rights other than what the ruler gave to him or her. The monarch determined punishment for crimes or other perceived wrongdoings. The ruler’s word was final.
As time passed, monarchs were forced to share power (limited monarchy). To prevent losing political and financial support, even the strongest kings and emperors eventually had to accept a system of laws that protected the rights and privileges of powerful social and economic classes. For example, in England, powerful land-owning nobles forced King John to share limited power with them by signing the Magna Carta. Under a limited monarchy, those who were not in the privileged classes, like the English nobles, usually had no more individual rights than under an absolute monarchy.
England’s King John signing the Magna Carta
Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
England’s King John signing the Magna Carta, 1215
This sharing of power eventually evolved into constitutional monarchies. Most present-day monarchies are governed by a constitution and the monarch is mostly symbolic rather than the actual ruler of their countries.
Another autocratic form of government is dictatorship. The dictator, who is often a military leader, controls the political power. The dictator and his elite make and enforce the laws and operate the government. Individual rights are usually repressed in order for the ruling regime to gain and maintain power. One of the best known examples is Nazi Germany, ruled by Adolph Hitler.
While some societies began as an aristocracy, ruled by privileged groups (usually wealthy landowners), many aristocracies evolved over time. For example, when monarchs began to share power, like the example of England above, the powerful nobles became the ruling class. They usually remained loyal to the monarch as long as they were allowed to govern their own regions. Again, in an aristocracy, the average citizen had no special rights other than what was allowed them by the monarch or the aristocrats.
In a theocracy, a god or deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler. The god or deity makes the laws and grants rights to individuals. The deity’s laws are interpreted by religious authorities or a single religious figure. Often, the religious authorities in these societies evolve into a ruling class or aristocracy. Examples of theocracies include ancient Israel before it became a monarchy and some modern Islamic states.
Socialism is a system in which the production and distribution of goods and services is a shared responsibility of a group of people. It believes that the means of making, moving, and trading wealth should be owned or controlled by the workers. Under socialism, wealth and income would be shared more equally among people. Cuba is an example of a socialist nation. Its economy is state run and it has no stock exchange. Healthcare and education are all managed and administered by the government. Democratic socialism describes a socialist economy where production and wealth are collectively owned, but the country has a democratic system of government. The goal of democratic socialism is to achieve socialist goals of equality while opposing socialist ideologies. Many northern European countries enjoy prosperity and economic equality thanks to the policies pursued by social democratic parties.
Under communism, like socialism, the goal is a higher social order in which the people equally share all goods and a classless society is created. The USSR was both communist and socialist. Under communism, the central government also plans and controls the economy, but a single political party holds all power. Individuals cannot own property or businesses. Everything is controlled by the state. The ruling party usually extends that economic control to other areas of individual life. Most individual rights are eliminated in the name of the good of society.
Democracy, a form of government in which citizens choose leaders by voting, was first attempted on a large scale in ancient Greece, specifically in Athens. In fact, the word democracy is Greek, meaning “power of the people.” Theoretically, in a democracy, every adult can influence group decisions. Athens was a direct democracy, in which all citizens vote on every civic issue. Under this system, all men were considered naturally equal. Citizens had the right to vote, to own property and slaves, to have a trial by jury, to assemble, and to speak freely and debate. In return, citizens were expected to vote on leaders and issues and to pay taxes. Of course, citizenship was available only to adult Athenian males. Women, children, and slaves were excluded. Athenian democracy ended with the rise of the emperor Alexander the Great.
Later, in ancient Rome, during the Roman republic period, a form of democracy existed. Citizens voted for their leaders, called tribunes, but the tribunes really held most of the power. The Roman democracy also came to an end with the rise of an empire (monarchy).
The Constitution of the United States of America, adopted in 1788, ushered in the era of modern democracy. The American form of government is a constitutional democracy, in which the sovereign power of the people is spelled out in a governing constitution. Unlike the Greek direct democracy, the U.S. Constitution called for a democratic republic, in which citizens vote for representatives to make laws and policy decisions in their place. The Greek idea of the equality of all people was actually written into the U.S. Constitution, along with other basic human rights. The first ten amendments to the constitution spelled out the specific rights granted to all Americans and became known as The Bill of Rights.
The United States Bill of Rights
Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The United States Bill of Rights
As in ancient Greece, the constitutional democracy of the United States includes the right to vote, to own property, to have a trial by jury, to assemble, and to speak freely and debate. Also like Greece, in the beginning, only adult male non-slaves were allowed to vote. Later amendments to the Constitution extended the right to vote to women and former slaves. All adult citizens are now guaranteed the right to vote.
The concept of constitutional democracy soon spread to other nations. Today, constitutional democracies, along with different forms of constitutional monarchies, are the most common forms of government around the world.
Four forms of government
Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Four forms of government in countries worldwide as of 2016
Key
Blue: constitutional democracy (fully presidential systems)
Orange: constitutional monarchy or parliamentary democracy (fully parliamentary systems) Light green: hybrid systems (semi-presidential republics and parliamentary republics with executive presidencies)
Dark green: autocracies (single-party states, military dictatorships, absolute monarchies)
Grey: transitional or provisional governments
The U.S. Constitution expanded on the democratic ideas of the Greeks and incorporated some new ones. For example, beyond just a right to have a trial by jury, there is a right to due process, the rule that a legal case must proceed in a way that protects the rights of all the people involved. There is also a right to equal protection under the law, the right of all persons to have the same access to the law and courts and to be treated equally. Beyond the right to vote, there is a right to participate directly (by holding public office) or indirectly (by voting for representatives) to help the government to function. The rights to vote, to hold public office, and to petition for changes in laws or policies are guaranteed for all citizens. Other individual rights guaranteed by the Constitution include freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, protection from unreasonable searches and seizures of property, protection from incriminating oneself under oath, a measure of privacy, and freedom to make contracts and own businesses.
Of course, the privilege of all these rights also comes with certain responsibilities. American citizens are expected to support and defend the Constitution and to participate in the democratic process. This participation involves voting, staying informed of the issues affecting their community, respecting and obeying all laws (federal, state, and local), and serving on a jury when called upon. Citizens are also expected to pay federal, state, and local taxes and to respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
Directions: Match the term with the correct definition
A. Rule by the citizens
B. Citizens vote for representatives
C. Ruled by a religion
D. Military leader controls power
E. Rule by one person
F. Rule by a hereditary king or queen
G. Rule by no one, chaos
H. Seeks just and equal distribution
I. Rule by an elite group
J. Single political party controls all
Autocracy
Aristocracy
Anarchy
Communism
Democracy
Democratic republic
Dictatorship
Monarchy
Socialism
Theocracy
Multiple Choice
In a legal case, what does due process mean?
all people are to be treated equally
the rights of all people involved are protected
trial by jury
right to an attorney
In a legal case, what does equal protection under the law mean?
all people are to be treated equally
the rights of all people involved are protected
trial by jury
right to an attorney
Who is eligible to vote in the United States?
citizens of any age
only adult men
only those who own property
non-citizens
all adult citizens
Which two types of government apply to the United States (choose 2 answers)?
direct democracy
constitutional democracy
constitutional monarchy
democratic republic
Which two freedoms are guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution? (choose 2 answers)
freedom of speech
freedom of religion
freedom to refuse to pay taxes
freedom to infringe on the rights of others
Which of the following are responsibilities of American citizens (choose 2 answers)?
voting
allowing experts who are informed of issues to make decisions
respecting and obeying all laws
holding public officeThere are few requirements of American citizens, but some things are expected of responsible citizens. Briefly discuss some of the requirements and responsibilities of good citizens (name at least 3). You may use examples from the reading or outside knowledge.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
### Matching Terms with Definitions
1. A. **Rule by the citizens** - **Democracy**
2. B. **Citizens vote for representatives** - **Democratic republic**
3. C. **Ruled by a religion** - **Theocracy**
4. D. **Military leader controls power** - **Dictatorship**
5. E. **Rule by one person** - **Autocracy**
6. F. **Rule by a hereditary king or queen** - **Monarchy**
7. G. **Rule by no one, chaos** - **Anarchy**
8. H. **Seeks just and equal distribution** - **Socialism**
9. I. **Rule by an elite group** - **Aristocracy**
10. J. **Single political party controls all** - **Communism**
### Multiple Choice
1. **In a legal case, what does due process mean?**
- **the rights of all people involved are protected**
2. **In a legal case, what does equal protection under the law mean?**
- **all people are to be treated equally**
3. **Who is eligible to vote in the United States?**
- **all adult citizens**
4. **Which two types of government apply to the United States (choose 2 answers)?**
- **constitutional democracy**
- **democratic republic**
5. **Which two freedoms are guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution? (choose 2 answers)**
- **freedom of speech**
- **freedom of religion**
6. **Which of the following are responsibilities of American citizens (choose 2 answers)?**
- **voting**
- **respecting and obeying all laws**
### Requirements and Responsibilities of Good Citizens
Being a good citizen in the United States involves fulfilling certain responsibilities and requirements. Here are three key responsibilities:
1. **Voting**: One of the fundamental responsibilities of citizens is to participate in elections by voting. This action allows individuals to have a say in choosing their representatives and determining policies that affect their lives, thereby exercising their democratic rights.
2. **Obeying Laws**: Citizens are expected to respect and follow all laws established at the federal, state, and local levels. This not only ensures personal safety but also maintains order and respect within the community.
3. **Paying Taxes**: Contributing to the country's economy and infrastructure is another crucial responsibility. By paying taxes, citizens support public services such as education, healthcare, and public safety, which benefit society as a whole.
Overall, good citizenship involves actively participating in the democratic process, respecting the rule of law, and contributing to the welfare of the community through civic engagement and personal conduct.
1. A. **Rule by the citizens** - **Democracy**
2. B. **Citizens vote for representatives** - **Democratic republic**
3. C. **Ruled by a religion** - **Theocracy**
4. D. **Military leader controls power** - **Dictatorship**
5. E. **Rule by one person** - **Autocracy**
6. F. **Rule by a hereditary king or queen** - **Monarchy**
7. G. **Rule by no one, chaos** - **Anarchy**
8. H. **Seeks just and equal distribution** - **Socialism**
9. I. **Rule by an elite group** - **Aristocracy**
10. J. **Single political party controls all** - **Communism**
### Multiple Choice
1. **In a legal case, what does due process mean?**
- **the rights of all people involved are protected**
2. **In a legal case, what does equal protection under the law mean?**
- **all people are to be treated equally**
3. **Who is eligible to vote in the United States?**
- **all adult citizens**
4. **Which two types of government apply to the United States (choose 2 answers)?**
- **constitutional democracy**
- **democratic republic**
5. **Which two freedoms are guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution? (choose 2 answers)**
- **freedom of speech**
- **freedom of religion**
6. **Which of the following are responsibilities of American citizens (choose 2 answers)?**
- **voting**
- **respecting and obeying all laws**
### Requirements and Responsibilities of Good Citizens
Being a good citizen in the United States involves fulfilling certain responsibilities and requirements. Here are three key responsibilities:
1. **Voting**: One of the fundamental responsibilities of citizens is to participate in elections by voting. This action allows individuals to have a say in choosing their representatives and determining policies that affect their lives, thereby exercising their democratic rights.
2. **Obeying Laws**: Citizens are expected to respect and follow all laws established at the federal, state, and local levels. This not only ensures personal safety but also maintains order and respect within the community.
3. **Paying Taxes**: Contributing to the country's economy and infrastructure is another crucial responsibility. By paying taxes, citizens support public services such as education, healthcare, and public safety, which benefit society as a whole.
Overall, good citizenship involves actively participating in the democratic process, respecting the rule of law, and contributing to the welfare of the community through civic engagement and personal conduct.