Mod 3 lesson 1

Limited vs Unlimited Governments

In the past, most countries had unlimited governments. These governments were often controlled by leaders who had unlimited power to do whatever they wanted. The rulers were generally considered "above the law" — which is another way of saying they did not have to respect the rule of law. The rule of law is the idea that everyone must follow the law. Limited governments are governments that has limited or restricted power overs the people it governs.

Directions: Click on each fact to learn more about governments and their powers.

Infographic: Limited vs. Unlimited Governments

Limited Govermnet

a type of limited government- A form of government in which power is held by the people, who rule either directly or through representatives they elect.

Directions: Match the vocab word to its defintion

Matching Vocab Practice

A government that has limited or restricted powers

Democratic government

A government that has no limits or restraints on its power

Unlimited government

The idea that everyone must follow the law

Next

Rule of Law

A type of unlimited governments- government controlled by an individual or small group with absolute, or total, power. There are no limits on the ruler or rulers' power.

Authoritarian government

Rule of Law

The rule of law is important in a limited government. Everyone, even government officials, must follow the country's laws. Most limited governments have a written constitution that defines the laws that everyone must follow.

Few participate

In an unlimited government, leaders allow very few people to have a say in how the government is run. And there is usually just one political party; other parties are discouraged or forbidden.

No written constitution

Unlimited governments rarely have written constitutions. This allows leaders to create and change laws whenever they want, making much of their power unlimited.

Written Constitution

Limited governments usually have a written constitution that describes laws that everyone, including leaders, must follow. This document places limits on leaders' power.

No rule of law

In an unlimited government, leaders often break or bend the rules for their own benefit. Very few unlimited governments have written constitutions, allowing leaders to change the laws anytime they want to. In these governments, the concept of the rule of law does not exist.

Many participate

In a limited government, many people can participate by running for office or by voting for candidates or issues they support. There are also multiple political parties that people can support.

Few participate

In an unlimited government, leaders allow very few people to have a say in how the government is run. And there is usually just one political party; other parties are discouraged or forbidden.

Usually democratic

A limited government is usually democratic. A democratic government is one in which the government gets its power to lead from its citizens. In most cases, people vote for their leaders.