Name: Period:

Types of Government: Real-World Examples
Target 6: Compare and contrast the basic characteristics of representative democracy, absolute monarchy, constitutional monarchy, dictatorship, and theocracy.
Although there are several specific forms of government about which we are learning the major characteristics, in the real world, systems of government are not necessarily so easily categorized. There is some overlap among types of government, and there are additional variations not included on our required course of study. In this activity, you will have a chance to explore examples of government systems in several countries around the world.
Go to the CIA World Factbook web site at https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2128.html. Choose 3 countries, with 3 different forms of government, to explore. They might or might not feature the exact types of government we have been studying. Use the chart on the back to organize information about the specifics of each country’s government (type of government, who is in charge, how leaders are chosen, how its branches of government are organized, etc.). Then choose two of the countries, and create a product that shows how the government systems in those two countries compare and contrast.
Product ideas:
·  PowerPoint or Prezi * Poem
·  Brochure * Journal
·  Poster * Postcards or letter
·  Web site * Other?
Exceeds the Standard
(9-10 points) / Meets the Standard
(7-8 points) / Below Standard
(6 or fewer)
Chart and product are factually accurate; demonstrates strong understanding of the topic in an engaging/creative way / Chart and product are factually accurate; demonstrates clear understanding of the topic / Chart and/or product are factually inaccurate or not detailed enough to demonstrate an understanding of the topic

Name: Period:

Country / System of government / Current leader(s) / How leader(s) chosen / Branches of government, and how organized / Miscellaneous
(Political parties, suffrage rights, etc.)