3.2B – Read the Text #2: Building Comprehension

READING TEXT
Module 3: Forms of Government

PARAGRAPH 1

Governments make the laws for people living in one place. Different countries have different types of governments. Some government systems give a lot of power to one person or group to rule, or lead the country. Other systems share power between government leaders, government groups, and the people who elect them. We will look at some examples of different types of governments.

PARAGRAPH 2

A monarchy is a government ruled by a monarch (a king, queen, or emperor). This person usually becomes a leader because their family has power. In some monarchies, this person is the only leader, but sometimes they also share power with other government groups in the country. In Great Britain, the king or queen works with the Parliament, or, elected leaders.

• What is a “monarchy”? How do monarchs become leaders? How much power do they have?
• What do you think “Parliament” means? What is the word in your home language?
• What other countries have or have had monarchs?

PARAGRAPH 3

A dictatorship is a government ruled by a dictator. This is usually one strong person who does not share power with anyone and controls the country alone. Sometimes, a military leader uses soldiers to rule the country as a dictator. In other countries, a member of a powerful group or family controls the government. For many years, North Korea has had a dictator as its leader.

• What is a “dictator”? How do they become leaders? How much power do they have?
• What other countries have or have had dictators?

• Learn the word CONTROL: (verb) to use power to manage or command
  • What is the word in your home language?
  • Example:
    • The business owner controls the company.

PARAGRAPH 4

An oligarchy is a government system that is controlled by a small group of people with power, usually members of a rich family or a strong political group. These groups can put people who support their ideas into the government. An example of an oligarchy would be wealthy people in Russia.

PARAGRAPH 5

A theocracy is a government designed to follow the rules of one religion, and religious leaders form the government. Iran and Vatican City are examples of this system.

• What is a theocracy? How do people become leaders? How much power do they have?
• What other countries have or have had theocracies?

PARAGRAPH 6

In a representative democracy, citizens can vote in elections to choose people to represent them as leaders. The United States government is a representative democracy. Citizens elect many of the leaders who work in our city governments (like mayors); state governments (like governors); and the U.S. government (like the president and vice president). It is important to vote for leaders who will truly work for the people they represent.

• Let’s review: what do representative and represent mean?
• Who votes in elections? What does the word “citizen” mean?
• In the U.S. elections, what leaders do we vote for? Give examples from city, state, and U.S. government.
• What do we want our elected leaders to do? What might happen if they don’t listen to us?

PARAGRAPH 7

Voters living in a democracy have the right to choose their leaders and can even run for office in the government. To vote and take office in a democratic country, you must be a citizen, or a full member of that nation. But whether someone is a citizen or noncitizen, all people living in a representative democracy are constituents (members) of the country. Every constituent has legal rights, protections, and a powerful voice. All constituents can call, email, or meet with government representatives to share their ideas and opinions. All constituents can speak at government meetings in their city or state. They can join or organize protests if they see a problem. The government works for the people. People elect representatives, so representatives should listen and answer to the people.

NEXT: Read the text with a partner or in a small group!