Government Basics
→ What is government?
This system helps a country make decisions, create laws, and organize services.
→ What is a right?
This means something people should be allowed to have or do.
→ What is democracy?
Government by the people.
→ What does free elections mean?
This means people can vote without being forced.
→ What is Ancient Athens (Greece)?
The place where democracy first began.
Name one service governments provide for people.
→ Examples: schools, hospitals, roads, police, parks.
→ What is a responsibility?
This means something citizens should do to help their community.
→ What is a dictatorship / authoritarian government?
A system where one leader or a small group holds most power.
→ What does fair elections mean?
This means elections follow rules and cheating is prevented.
→ What is direct democracy?
The type of democracy used in Ancient Athens.
→ What is a rule?
This is an agreement for a small place like a classroom or home.
→ What is a citizen?
A person who belongs to a country.
→ What is a monarchy?
A system where a king or queen is head of state.
→ What does open elections mean?
This means everyone with the right to vote has the opportunity to vote.
Name one group that could NOT vote in Ancient Athens.
→ Women / slaves / foreigners.
→ What is a law?
This is an official rule that everyone in a country must follow.
Give one example of a responsibility of citizens.
→ Examples: follow laws, respect others, protect rights.
→ What is representative democracy?
In this system, people vote for leaders who make decisions for them.
→ What are regular elections?
Elections happen on a fixed timetable (for example every 4 years).
→ What is representative democracy?
Most modern democracies use this system.
→ What are taxes?
Governments collect this to manage money and pay for services.
Why must rights and responsibilities be balanced?
→ Because everyone’s rights must be respected and protected.
→ What is direct democracy?
In this system, people vote directly on decisions themselves.
→ What is a secret ballot?
This protects voters by keeping their vote private.
Name one key difference between democracy then and now.
→ Modern democracy includes more people and protects rights.