Module 4

Government and Citizenship

Essential Question
How do systems of government affect the roles of citizens across the globe?

About the Photo: The Palace of Westminster in In this module, you will learn about how nations across the
London is where Parliament meets. Parliament is the globe interact and form a world community. You will also
United Kingdom’s highest legislative authority. learn about the different world governments and how people
participate in those governments.

Explore ONLINE! What You Will Learn

Lesson 1: A World of Nations���������������������������������������������������� 131
VIDEOS, including . . . The Big Idea The world is divided into many different
• Could You Pass the U.S. Citizenship Test? nations that interact together to trade, protect their
• Birth of Democracy national interests, resolve conflict, and address global
issues.
Lesson 2: World Governments������������������������������������������������� 137
Document-Based Investigations The Big Idea The world’s countries have different
governments, and some countries struggle with human
Graphic Organizers rights abuses.
Lesson 3: Citizenship������������������������������������������������������������������� 145
Interactive Games
The Big Idea Along with the rights and freedoms of
Channel One News Video: Students Bring citizenship in representative democracies like the United
Climate Change Lawsuit States come important duties and responsibilities.

Image with Hotspots: The DMZ Separates

the Koreas
Interactive Map: Freedom in Governments of
the World

128 Module 4
Citizenship Voting is an important
responsibility for citizens of India
and other free countries.

Government In democratic
countries, leaders are elected by the
people. Laura Chinchilla was elected
president of Costa Rica in 2010.

Global Community The United Nations

Headquarters in New York City is where more than
190 member states meet to promote international
cooperation.

Government and Citizenship 129

Reading Social Studies
Sequence
READING FOCUS
Sequence is the order in which events follow one another. To show the order of
events or steps in a process, writers use words like before, after, next, first, then,
later, and finally. They also use words and phrases that indicate specific times,
such as the next day and on July 4, 1776. Making a visual such as a sequence chain
or a timeline can help you sequence events.
Read the passage below, noting the underlined clue words and dates. Notice how
they reveal the order of the events shown in the timeline.

In 1949 Chinese leader Mao Zedong created an authoritarian Com-

munist system, imprisoning or killing those who spoke out against
his policies. He implemented Soviet-style five-year plans for indus-
trial development. Early efforts, begun in 1953, had some success,
but widespread food shortages led to the deaths of tens of millions
by 1961. In 1966, Mao began the Cultural Revolution, a violent
effort to rid China of its pre-Communist customs and beliefs.

1940 1950 1960 1970

1949 1953 1958–1961 1966

Communist system Early success Tens of millions Beginning of
in China created by of industrial of Chinese die Cultural Revolution.
Mao Zedong. development. of famine.

YOU TRY IT!

Read the following passage. Look for dates and clue words to help you
figure out the sequence of steps described in it. Then make a sequence
chain like the one above to show that order.

Brazil was a Portuguese colony for 300 years before gaining independence
in 1822. The nation became a republic in 1889, but wealthy coffee planters
held much of the political power until a series of military-led uprisings
began in the 1920s. In 1930 Getúlio Vargas took power in a nonviolent
revolution; by 1937 Vargas ruled as a dictator. After alternating attempts
at democracy and at military rule, in 1985 the military finally turned
over power to a civilian government. Three years later, Brazil enacted a
constitution that is still in effect today.

As you read this module, look for clues that show the sequence of events.

130 Module 4
 Lesson 1

A World of Nations

If YOU lived there . . .

The Big Idea You are living through a drought in Sacramento,
California. Your teacher splits your class into groups to
The world is divided into many
different nations that interact discuss ways to solve the drought problem. One student
together to trade, protect thinks using less water is the solution, and another
their national interests, resolve believes people should try to find more water. Your
conflict, and address global group begins arguing over whose solution is the best.
issues. You want everyone to get along, but nobody seems to
Main Ideas agree.
■■ The world is divided into How could you help your classmates
physical and human borders. work together?
■■ The nations of the world inter-
act through trade and foreign
policy. Boundaries and Borders
■■ The nations of the world form a There are about 200 countries in the world today. Each country
world community that resolves has political boundaries, or borders. Within a country there are
conflicts and addresses global also many smaller political units, such as cities, counties, and
issues. states, each with its own set of borders. There are two main
types of borders used to set political boundaries—physical
Key Terms and Places
borders and human borders.
borders
sovereign nation Physical Borders Borders sometimes follow natural
foreign policy boundaries. Mountains, deserts, and oceans make good natural
diplomacy
boundaries because they are often difficult to cross and are
national interest
permanent markers. For example, the Andes Mountains form
United Nations
human rights the eastern border of Chile, while the Pacific Ocean forms
humanitarian aid Chile’s western border. These two physical features give Chile a
long, skinny shape.
Rivers and lakes are other natural boundaries used to set
borders. For example, the Chattahoochee River forms part of
the border between Alabama and Georgia. The Great Lakes
form part of the border between the United States and Canada.
However, rivers can be troublesome boundaries. Sometimes the
flow of a river might shift course, changing the border.

Government and Citizenship 131

 The Great Lakes
are a natural
boundary
between the
United States and
Canada.

Human Borders Sometimes, borders are determined by humans, with no

input from the physical landscape. There are two main types of boundaries
used to set human borders: cultural and geometric.
Cultural boundaries are based on cultural traits, such as language or
religion. For example, the border between mostly Muslim Pakistan and
mostly Hindu India was established largely along religious lines. The
border between Portugal and Spain is an example of a cultural boundary
based on language.
Geometric boundaries are borders that are not based on natural or
cultural patterns. Often, they are straight lines based on lines of latitude
or longitude. For example, the border between North Korea and South
Reading Check Korea follows near the 38th parallel, or 38°N latitude. Another example is
Identify the part of the border between the United States and Canada that follows
What natural
boundaries are used 93°N latitude. The borders of many states and counties in the United
to form borders? States are also geometric boundaries.

Nations of the World

Having set borders is one characteristic of a sovereign nation, or a
government that has complete authority over a geographic area. Sovereign
nations rule independently from governments outside their borders. They
can make their own laws and enforce them. They can collect taxes, build
a military, and make treaties, or written agreements, with other nations.
They can also defend themselves against foreign invasion.

132 Module 4
 Academic Trade and Foreign Policy Though sovereign nations rule independently,
Vocabulary they interact with other nations. One way nations interact with each other
interact to talk or act
together is through trade. Different nations have different resources, and they also
lack different resources. Trade allows nations to exchange the goods that
they have or can make for goods that they cannot make.
Another way that nations act together is through foreign policy, or a
nation’s plan for how to act toward other countries. Foreign policy is important
because the actions one nation takes affect other nations. For example, when
Germany invaded Poland in 1939, Great Britain and France declared war on
Germany. This was the start of World War II, a conflict that grew to involve
almost every part of the world. Because leaders of the world are concerned
with keeping their nations safe, or national security, many leaders try to secure
friendly relations with other countries as part of their foreign policy.
The foreign policy work nations do to keep friendly relations with each
other is called diplomacy. Diplomacy is used to prevent war, solve problems,
and open communication between countries. For example, the United States
ended diplomatic ties with Cuba in 1961. In late 2014 President Obama
announced that the United States and Cuba would have diplomatic relations
for the first time in decades. President Obama traveled to Cuba in 2016. An
American president had not done that in almost 90 years.
Another important foreign policy tool is foreign aid, or assistance that a
country provides to another country. For example, the United States gave
large amounts of foreign aid during and after World War II. It sent soldiers
130°E
120°E

140°E
RUSSIA Sea of
to help fight during the war. After the war, the people of Western Europe
Okhotsk
needed food, clothing, and housing, which the United States helped provide.

The DMZ Separates the Koreas

R.
n
me
Tu

e
Riv
r

lu NORTH
Ya
KOREA
40°N

Nampo Sea of Japan

Pyongyang
Demilitarized (East Sea)
Zone (DMZ)
Seoul
Inchon

SOUTH JAPAN
Yellow KOREA Tokyo
Sea Taegu Yokohama
Kyoto Nagoya
Pusan
Hiroshima Osaka
PACIFIC
Interpret Maps Following World War II, the 38th parallel was used to divide North
and South Korea. Above, South Korean soldiers patrol the barbed
OCEAN
Place What city is near the ait
r
demilitarized zone (DMZ)? St wire fence along the demilitarized zone (DMZ), which separates
rea the two Koreas today. The DMZ stretches east to west near the old
Ko Nagasaki
boundary at the 38th parallel.

Government
N and Citizenship 133
E
 National Interest Each nation has its own goals to help it succeed. These
goals make up a country’s national interest. Different countries have
different national interests. Part of the United States’ national interest,
for example, is to grow its economy and defend its national security. For
New Zealand, protecting its natural resources against climate change is
one of its national interests.
When nations have similar national interests, they sometimes
become allies, or a group that gives support. For example, in 1949 the
United States and 11 other nations formed the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) to stop a common adversary, or enemy. The Soviet
Union was taking over other countries in Eastern Europe and spreading
Reading Check communism. NATO wanted to protect other nations from being invaded
Summarize
and to stop the spread of communism. Today, the Soviet Union no longer
How do nations
interact with exists, but NATO has grown to include 28 nations who share common
each other? interests, such as promoting democratic values and peace.

A World Community
Together, the nations of the world form a world community. Countries
are connected to each other through trade and diplomacy. What happens
in one part of the world can affect the entire planet. Because of this, the
world community works together to promote cooperation among countries
in times of conflict and crisis.
Resolving Conflict From time to time, conflicts erupt among the
countries of the world. Wars, trade disputes, and political disagreements
can threaten the peace. Countries often join together to settle such
conflicts. In 1945, for example, 51 nations created the United Nations
(UN), an organization of the world’s countries that promotes peace and
security around the globe.
The United Nations now has more than 190 member states. The UN
promotes security by calling on quarreling countries to work out a peaceful

Historical Source

The Charter of the United Nations

“We the Peoples of the United Nations Determined . . .
Created in 1945, the United Nations is to save succeeding generations from the scourge [terror] of
an organization of the world’s countries war . . . to practice tolerance and live together in peace with
that works to solve global problems. one another as good neighbors, and to unite our strength to
The Charter of the United Nations
maintain international peace and security, and
outlines the goals of the UN, some of
which are included here.
to ensure . . . that armed forces shall not be used, save
[except] in the common interest, and to employ international
machinery [systems] for the promotion of the economic and
social advancement of all peoples, Have Resolved to Combine
Analyze Sources our Efforts to Accomplish these Aims.”
What are some of the goals of the United —from the Charter of the United Nations
Nations?

134 Module 4
Many people believe
that health care is a
basic human right.
Here, a Doctors Without
Borders medical team
leader examines
refugees from Libya.

settlement. It also places sanctions, or penalties, on those who have broken

international laws. Sanctions restrict or ban trade, travel, or economic
activity with law violators. For example, the United Nations has placed
sanctions against the terrorist groups and militant organizations in the
Middle East, such as al Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
(ISIL), as a way to combat terrorism.
The United Nations also works to guarantee human rights, or rights
that all people deserve. Human rights include political rights, such as the
right to vote. Freedom of expression and equality before the law are other
examples of human rights. Over the years, the UN has passed several
declarations setting standards for such rights.
Nations also form organizations to help out in areas of conflict.
These organizations provide humanitarian aid, or assistance to people
in distress. For example, during the Syrian civil war, the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) brought food, clean water, and
essential aid to civilians. Another organization, the United States Agency
for International Development (USAID), offers assistance to conflict and
poverty-stricken countries all over the world. In Pakistan, USAID has
built or rehabilitated 1,040 schools since 2009. Some groups lend aid to
refugees, or people who have been forced to flee their homes. Doctors
Without Borders, for example, provides medical aid to those fleeing areas
of armed conflict, such as South Sudan, Libya, Syria, and Afghanistan.
Organizations are able to help conflict zones because the Geneva
Conventions of 1949 protect them. The Geneva Conventions are
international agreements that tell countries at war how to treat people.
Under the Geneva Conventions, for example, people cannot be held
hostage, enslaved, or tortured. The Geneva Conventions protect the
human rights of civilians, medics, and aid workers who are not taking part
in the fighting. They also protect those who can no longer fight, such as
the wounded, the sick, and prisoners of war.

Government and Citizenship 135

 Promoting Cooperation The world community also promotes cooperation
in times of crisis. A disaster may leave thousands of people in need.
Earthquakes, floods, and droughts can cause crises around the world.
Groups from many nations often come together to help out. For example,
in 2004 a tsunami, or huge tidal wave, devastated parts of Southeast Asia.
Many organizations, like the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
and the International Red Cross, stepped in to provide humanitarian aid
to the victims of the tsunami. In addition to providing medical aid in
conflict zones, Doctors Without Borders also provides care in places hit by
epidemics or natural disasters, such as the Central African Republic and
Nepal.
Deadly diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and acquired immune
deficiency syndrome (AIDS) can spread quickly and devastate entire
communities. This is why nations work with health-care initiatives,
or organizations that raise money to combat diseases. Examples of
global health initiatives include the World Bank’s Multi-Country AIDS
Programme (MAP), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Fund to
Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund). Through their efforts,
Reading Check millions of people in regions such as West and Central Africa have received
Summarize How
do nations promote vaccinations, medications, and disease-prevention education to fight the
cooperation? spread of deadly diseases.
Summary and Preview In this lesson you learned about borders and how
nations work together to solve conflicts and crises. In the next lesson, you
will learn about the different ways nations govern themselves.

Lesson 1 Assessment
Review Ideas, Terms, and Places Critical Thinking
1. a. Define What are borders? 4. Evaluate Draw a three-column chart to list the global
b. Identify What are two types of human boundaries? organizations you read about in this lesson. Describe
2. a. Describe What are the characteristics of a sovereign their efforts to combat poverty and promote world
nation? peace. If needed, use the Internet for additional
research. Then use the chart to help answer this ques-
b. Demonstrate How do nations benefit from
tion: Why do you think these organizations are needed
interacting with each other?
to protect human rights?
3. a. Analyze How do global organizations help with
Promote World
conflict resolution and cooperation? Organization Combat Poverty
Peace
b. Explain How do the Geneva Conventions protect
individual rights and the common good?

136 Module 4
 Lesson 2

World Governments

If YOU lived there . . .

The Big Idea You live in Dallas, Texas. Your class at school is planning
a presentation about life in the United States for a group
The world’s countries have
different governments, and of visitors from Japan. Your teacher wants you to discuss
some countries struggle with government in the United States. As you prepare for
human rights abuses. your speech, you wonder what you should say.
Main Ideas How does government affect your life?
■■ Limited governments of the
world include democracies.
Limited Government
■■ Unlimited governments of
Can you imagine what life would be like if there were no rules?
the world include totalitarian
governments.
Without ways to establish order and ensure justice, life would
be chaotic. This explains why societies have governments. Our
■■ Most human rights abuses
governments make and enforce laws, regulate business and
occur under unlimited
governments of the world.
trade, and provide aid to people. Governments help shape the
culture and economy of a country and the daily lives of the
Key Terms and Places people who live there.
limited government One system of government is limited government. A limited
constitution government has legal limits on its power. These limits are often
democracy
stated in a constitution, or a written plan of government that
direct democracy
representative democracies
outlines its purposes, powers, and limitations. A democracy,
common good a form of government in which the people elect leaders and
unlimited government rule by majority, is an example of limited government. Many
totalitarian governments countries—including the United States, Canada, and Mexico—
are democracies.
Origins of Democracy Ancient Athens and other Greek
city-states were among the first democratic governments.
The Athenian government was a direct democracy, which
means the people made decisions through a process of majority
rule. Whatever the majority of voters wanted became law.
The citizens met regularly in a popular assembly to discuss
issues and vote for leaders. Athenians liked to boast that in
their government, everyone had equal say. In truth, Athenian
democracy was an elite-based system. Only a small fraction
of the male population was eligible to participate in political
life. Neither women nor slaves, who formed the majority of the
population, could participate.

Government and Citizenship 137

 Modern Democratic Governments Today, most countries have too
many people to gather together to make political decisions. That is why
most modern democratic governments are indirect democracies, or
representative democracies. Instead of the citizens making all of the
political decisions, they vote for representatives to make and enforce
the laws.
Presidential and parliamentary democracies are the two most common
democratic systems. In a presidential democracy, the people elect the head
of state, called the president. The president heads the executive branch.
The president shares power with the legislative branch, which is also
elected by the people, and the judicial branch.
In a parliamentary democracy, the voters elect the legislature, or
parliament. The parliament chooses the government leader, called the
prime minister or chancellor. The head of state in some parliamentary
democracies is a constitutional monarch. Constitutional monarchs are
often figureheads, or leaders without real power. Instead, the elected
parliament holds most of the power. Most of the world’s democratic
governments are parliamentary democracies.
Modern governments also distribute their powers in different ways.
For example, the United Kingdom and Japan are unitary states, in which
a central government has all the power and does not share it with its
regions or states. The opposite of a unitary state is a confederation. In a
confederation, a country’s states or regions hold most of the power. Federal
governments, on the other hand, divide their power between a central
national government and its states. The United States is an example of a
federal government.
Characteristics of Limited Governments Because power can be misused,
limiting government’s reach reduces the chances of abuse and creates freer
and fairer societies. Limited governments are governed by rule of law,
meaning that no person or government is above the law. This is why many
limited governments have a constitution that outlines their laws.

Modern Democracies

Country Government Power Type of Democracy System of Government

United States Federal Presidential Constitutional republic

United Kingdom Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional monarchy

Canada Federal Parliamentary Constitutional monarchy

Japan Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional monarchy

India Federal Parliamentary Constitutional republic

Analyze Information
Which countries are republics with federal governments?

138 Module 4
Systems of Government

Dictatorship • Single dictator or a small group holds absolute authority and makes all decisions
Example: Cuba • Violence and force used to maintain rule

• Dictator holds ultimate authority

Totalitarian Regimes
• Government tightly controls all aspects of life—political, social, and economic
Example: North Korea
• No formal or informal limits on government

• Government by officials regarded to have religious authority

Theocracy
• Laws rooted in a particular religion or religious doctrine
Example: Iran
• Government power is unlimited

• Government by the people; citizens are the ultimate source of government authority
Direct Democracy
• Citizens come together to discuss and pass laws and select leaders
Example: ancient Greece (Athens)
• Works best in small communities

• Government by the people; citizens are the ultimate source of government authority
Republic/Representative
Democracy • Indirect form of democracy; citizens elect representatives to make government decisions
Example: ancient Rome, and pass laws on their behalf
United States
• Representatives elected for set terms

Analyze Information
What is the difference between a direct democracy and a republic?

Nations governed by rule of law protect the rights of individuals. In

many limited governments, for example, individuals have the right to a
fair trial if they are accused of a crime. Limited governments also balance
the welfare of the community, or the common good, with individual
welfare. For example, individuals might be forced to sell their land to the
government so that a new highway or school can be built. This challenges
an individual’s right to own property. However, a new highway or school
benefits the whole community.
Today, nearly half of the almost 200 countries in the world are
democratic or partly democratic with a limited system of government.
Although the level of freedom in these nations varies, they share some
basic characteristics:
• Democratic systems tend to have social welfare policies that seek to
improve the quality of their citizens’ lives.
• Most democratic governments protect their citizens’ rights and
freedoms. For this reason, citizens of these countries generally enjoy a
high degree of economic and political freedom.
• Strong democratic countries can generally withstand national crises
such as war, economic troubles, or civil unrest without major changes
to their basic systems or structures.

Government and Citizenship 139

Compare Limited Governments

Mexico Brazil
Government Characteristics Government Characteristics
• Presidential, federal system of government • Presidential, federal system of government
• Three branches of government • Three branches of government
• Some legislative seats given to major parties • All legislative seats filled by direct election
• President elected directly by the people to a • President elected directly by the people to a
six-year term four-year term
• Voting compulsory for people 18 and older • Voting compulsory for people 18 to 70

MEXICO

BRAZIL

The seat of power for Mexico’s Brazil’s legislative body meets at the
This map shows the locations of
president is the National Palace in National Congress in Brasília.
Mexico and Brazil.
Mexico City.

MS_SNLESE668737_031M.ai
Brazil & Mexico: Locate It
Comparing Mexico and Brazil As you know, the United States is a
Color Alts
democracy with a limited system of government. Mexico and Brazil are
First proof:
examples 3/15/2017
of other nations with limited systems. Their governments have
Approved: 3/24/2017
much in common with our own.
Mexico’s Government Mexico’s federal government, like ours, has three
branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. In a federal system, powers
are divided between central and state governments. Mexico’s central
government is based in Mexico City, and its 31 states make up its state
government.
Mexico’s legislative branch has two houses. Three-fifths of the
legislators in each house are elected, but the remaining seats are
distributed to the major political parties in proportion to the parties’
overall share of the popular vote.
The executive branch is led by a president elected directly by the people
for a single six-year term. By law, voting is compulsory for people over
age 18, although no formal penalty is enforced. Mexico does not have the
office of vice-president.
Mexico has an independent judicial branch. Its highest court is the
Supreme Court of Justice. Its judges are appointed by the president and
must be approved by a single of the houses of the legislature.

140 Module 4
 Brazil’s Government Brazil has a federal system with 26 states and a
federal district. In many ways, Brazil’s government is similar to that
of Mexico and the United States, with three branches and a separation
of powers. Brazil’s legislature is bicameral and includes a senate and a
chamber of deputies. All members are elected.
The executive branch is led by the president. The president and vice-
president are elected by a direct vote of the people. Voting is compulsory
Reading Check
for literate Brazilians between the ages of 18 and 70, and those who do not
Compare and vote may be fined.
Contrast How are Brazil’s Supreme Court is made up of two courts: the Superior Court
the governments of
Mexico and Brazil of Justice, which deals with nonconstitutional issues, and the Supreme
similar and different? Federal Court, which handles cases involving constitutional interpretation.

Unlimited Governments
We categorize governments based on who holds governmental power,
as well as by how much power they are allowed to execute. Recall that
in a limited government, everyone—including leaders—must obey the
law. By contrast, an unlimited government is a government in which
there are no limits set on a ruler’s power. They do not govern by a rule
of law that balances individual rights with the common good. Many
rulers of unlimited governments view individual rights as a threat to the
common good. They define the common good as people doing their part to
strengthen the leader, nation, and community.
Totalitarianism Authoritarian governments are unlimited governments,
in which power is concentrated in the hands of a single person, such as a
dictator, or a small group. Leaders can set laws without input from those
they rule. This allows change and decision-making to work more quickly
in unlimited governments than in limited governments. Leaders, however,
can also break laws without punishment because they answer to no one.
At its most extreme, authoritarian rule becomes totalitarian. Totali-
tarian governments control all aspects of society—the government, the
economy, and even people’s personal beliefs and actions. The Soviet Union
under Joseph Stalin, China under Mao Zedong, and North Korea under
Kim Jong-un are examples of totalitarian regimes.
In these societies, citizens have no way to influence or change the
government. The government sometimes maintains the appearance of
democratic rule. For example, the totalitarian government of North Korea
calls itself the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, holds elections, and
has a written constitution. But these displays of democracy are nothing
more than exhibitions to deceive the nation’s people or outside observers.
Characteristics of Unlimited Governments All forms of unlimited gov-
ernment share certain features. In authoritarian and totalitarian systems,
ordinary citizens have limited political and economic freedoms. Their
rights are rarely recognized or protected, and they may not be able to effec-
tively take part in government or openly express their views.

Government and Citizenship 141

 Totalitarian rulers often use force to put down opposition, such as
human rights or pro-democracy movements demanding change. Moreover,
because they are not subject to law, totalitarian rulers can change or ignore
constitutions or laws intended to restrict their power. For example, before
Saddam Hussein of Iraq was overthrown in a 2003 U.S.-led invasion, he
used torture and violence against his political opponents, even though
torture was officially banned under Iraqi law.
China’s Government In 1949 Chinese leader Mao Zedong created an
authoritarian Communist system, imprisoning or killing those who spoke
out against his policies. He instituted Soviet-style five-year plans for
industrial development. Early efforts, begun in 1953, had some success,
but widespread food shortages led to the deaths of tens of millions by
1961. In 1966 Mao began the Cultural Revolution, a violent effort to rid
China of its pre-Communist customs and beliefs.
Mao’s death in 1976 saw a gradual retreat from many of his policies.
Deng Xiaoping eventually became China’s leader and slowly introduced
many economic and a few political reforms. There were limits to what
officials would allow, however. In 1989 the government violently crushed a
peaceful pro-democracy student demonstration in China’s capital, Beijing,
in what became known as the Tiananmen Square Massacre.
Reading Check China’s leaders today are balancing authoritarian rule, economic
Summarize What
growth, and slow political reform. China continues to limit its citizens’
are the characteristics
of unlimited basic freedoms and rights, and the government exercises strict control
government? over the media and the Internet.

Human Rights Abuses

Though many people and governments support human rights, human
rights abuses occur in both limited and unlimited governments. These
abuses include torture, slavery, and murder, and are most common
in countries that are not free or are partially free. In many countries,

Unlimited Government in China

A 1971 propaganda poster portrays people as A pro-democracy demonstrator confronts Chinese

happy with China’s communist government. troops in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, in 1989.

142 Module 4
 Explore ONLINE!
Freedom in Governments of the World

Free
Partly free
ASIA
Not free EUROPE
NORTH
0 1,500 3,000 Miles AMERICA
ATLANTIC
0 1,500 3,000 Kilometers OCEAN
Projection: Robinson
PACIFIC
AFRICA
OCEAN

SOUTH INDIAN
AMERICA OCEAN
AUSTRALIA
N

W E

Interpret Maps
Location In which regions of the world do
ANTARCTICA
people have only partial freedom?
Source: Freedom House

individuals and groups have been arrested or mistreated for political

dissent. For example, countries including Iran, Pakistan, Cuba, El Salvador,
and the former Soviet Union have persecuted people for their political
views.
In unfree or partially free countries, children face the highest risk of
becoming victims of human rights abuses. In some countries, such as north-
ern Uganda, fighters have kidnapped thousands of children. These children
have been made to fight as soldiers, while other have been enslaved. The
United Nations has taken action to try to protect children. For example,
the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted in 1989. The
convention focused on trying to keep children free from hunger, neglect,
and abuse.
Human rights abuses are also common in countries in the process of
establishing democracy. For example, in 2013 the Sudanese government
demolished several Christian churches in Sudan as part of an effort to
force Christians out of the country. As a result, many Sudanese Christians
have fled to South Sudan to avoid persecution.
Abuses in democratic countries are far fewer, but they do occur, often as
a result of inaction. For example, the European Union was criticized for not
adequately helping asylum seekers fleeing the civil war in Syria in 2013,
which left some refugees homeless and without food or water.
As a country with a democratic government, the United States recognizes
that respect for human rights promotes peace and deters aggression. To
that end, the United States has made promoting human rights a major part
of its foreign policy. According to the U.S. Department of State, the United
States uses a three-part approach in its work on human rights. Those
three parts are learning the truth and stating the facts, taking consistent

Government and Citizenship 143

 Reading Check positions about human rights abuses, and partnering with organizations
Draw Conclusions and governments committed to human rights.
Why would human
rights abuses
occur more often
Summary and Preview The world’s countries have different governments.
in countries In the next lesson, you will learn about citizenship in various countries.
with unlimited
governments?

Lesson 2 Assessment

Review Ideas, Terms, and Places b. Contrast Look at the map Freedom in Governments
of the World. How does government in North America
1. a. Define What is a direct democracy, and what are its
differ from government in Asia?
origins?
b. Contrast What are the differences between Critical Thinking
presidential and parliamentary democracies?
4. Compare and Contrast Review your notes on the
2. a. Describe What is life like in a country with a
limited and unlimited governments of the United
totalitarian leader?
States, Mexico, Brazil, and China. Then use a chart
b. Contrast In what ways do limited governments like this one to compare and contrast how each
differ from unlimited governments? government functions and is organized.
c. Analyze How does the definition of the common
United States Mexico Brazil China
good differ in limited and unlimited governments?
3. a. Elaborate How does China’s government limit
human rights?

144 Module 4
 Lesson 3

Citizenship

If YOU lived there . . .

The Big Idea Your older brother and his friends have just turned 18.
That means they must register with the Selective Service
Along with the rights and
freedoms of citizenship in System. But it also means that they are old enough
representative democracies to vote in national elections. You are interested in the
like the United States upcoming elections and think it would be exciting to
come important duties and have a real voice in politics. But your brother and his
responsibilities. friends don’t even plan to register to vote.
Main Ideas How would you persuade your brother that
■ The duties and roles of voting is important?
citizenship help to make
representative government
work. Duties and Roles of Citizenship
■ Good citizens accept their The United States has a democratic, representative
responsibilities for maintaining government. In such a system, people are the ultimate source
a strong democracy. of government authority. Elections are free and fair. Elected
■ Citizens influence government representatives closely follow the wishes of the people. Citizens
through public opinion. typically enjoy rights and privileges such as freedom of speech
■ The type of government in and freedom of religion. For a representative government
some societies influences the to work well, citizens must participate actively and perform
roles of the citizens in those certain duties. Let’s look at some duties of U.S. citizens.
societies.
Obeying the Law Of course, all Americans must obey the
Key Terms and Places law. Otherwise, our society would collapse. To obey laws, you
representative government must know what they are. For example, if you are stopped for
draft speeding, it will not help to claim that you did not know the
jury duty speed limit. It is your duty to find out what the speed limit is
political parties
and to obey it.
interest groups
public opinion Attending School You have to go to school, at least until
nonrepresentative governments age 16. A democracy cannot function without educated
citizens. That is why we have free public schools. People need
good reading and thinking skills so they can wisely choose
their leaders and understand issues that affect them. Education
also provides workforce skills so people can get jobs and help
the economy grow.

Government and Citizenship 145

 Cadets from the U.S. Air
Force Academy commit
to several years of Paying Taxes If you work or buy things, then you probably have to pay
military service.
taxes. We might not love paying taxes, but we enjoy the services that result
from them, such as police and fire protection, road maintenance, public
schools, and countless other services. Tax money also pays the huge costs
of national security and defense.
All levels of government rely on a variety of taxes for funding. For
example, the federal government relies on income taxes, a tax on personal
earnings. These taxes go toward programs such as Social Security, which
helps fund your retirement; Medicare, a health insurance program for
certain qualifying Americans; and national defense. You are probably
familiar with sales taxes, which state and local governments depend on for
their revenue. Sales taxes help fund public safety, education, and programs
to build and repair roads, buildings, and power plants.
Serving in the Armed Forces Volunteers have fought in every war in U.S.
history. When the country’s need has exceeded the number of volunteers,
however, it sometimes has had to establish a draft. Draft laws require men
of certain ages and qualifications to serve in the military.
The United States has not had a draft since 1973, during the Vietnam
War. However, 18-year-old men must still register their names and
addresses with the Selective Service System. If a crisis required that the
country quickly expand its armed forces, a draft could be launched and
registered citizens could be called up.
Appearing in Court Citizens must report to serve as members of a jury
if they are called to do so. This service is called jury duty. Jury duty often
involves sacrifice. Many citizens must take time off work to serve on a
jury, and they are paid very small sums. This sacrifice is necessary because
the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to a trial by jury of their
Reading Check peers—that is, their fellow citizens. Citizens must also testify in court if
Summarize
Describe five duties of called as witnesses. For our system of justice to function, citizens must
American citizenship. fulfill their duty to serve on juries and appear as witnesses.

146 Module 4
Rights and Responsibilities
Civic participation in representative government includes both duties, or
the things we must do, and responsibilities. Responsibilities are the things
we should do as citizens. These tasks are not required by law; yet, in the
United States, most people accept them as their responsibility. Several of
these responsibilities are listed below.
Voting United States government is based on the consent, or the approval,
of the governed. Therefore, we must let our legislators know when we
approve or disapprove of their actions. One way to do this is by voting
for people whose views we support and who we believe to be good, honest
candidates. As a citizen of your community, state, and nation, it is your
responsibility to vote in local, state, and national elections so that your
voice is heard.
There are several different types of elections in the United States.
Elections allow citizens to choose leaders for every level of government.
Because congressional elections take place every two years, citizens often
elect some members of Congress when they vote for the president. State
and local elections may also coincide with presidential and congressional
elections.
Being Informed To cast your vote wisely, you must be well informed
about candidates, current events, and key issues. There are many ways to
stay informed. You can go to town meetings to learn about the key issues
in your community. To learn about the candidates running for political
offices, you can attend debates and forums. You can sit in on legislative
sessions to watch public officials decide public policy.

U.S. Elections
Election Type When Election Occurs Purpose

Presidential every 4 years • vote for the U.S. president/vice-president

• elect 1/3 of all U.S. Senate members

Congressional every 2 years • elect all 435 members of the U.S. House of
Representatives

• elect state governor

• elect state legislators

State varies by state
• elect state judges (in some states)

• vote on state ballot initiatives

• elect various local offices

Local varies by location • elect local judges (in some localities)

• vote on local ballot initiatives

Analyze Information
Why is it important for citizens to vote in every type of election?

Government and Citizenship 147

 You can also use other tools at your home, school, or library to stay
informed. Visiting government websites is a good way to learn about local,
state, and national issues and laws. Reading newspapers, watching the
news, listening to the radio, and watching televised debates can also keep
you up to date on current events and important issues.
Taking Part in Government For a representative government to remain
strong, people must participate at all levels. In addition to voting, people
can work as public servants, serve in a political office, join a political party,
or support other politically active organizations. You can also contact your
state representatives and tell them what you think about topics of public
concern.
Governments cannot provide services to their citizens without citizen
participation. They need people to work as public servants to provide
these services. Public servants deliver mail, inspect food and medicines for
safety, operate national parks, fight fires, and perform a number of other
services.
People are also needed to run for political office and serve wisely if
elected. The quality of any democratic government depends on the quality
of the people who serve it. Political leaders, for example, take on important
roles. They may create laws or decide which programs will receive funding.
Some decide the best course of action during local, state, or national
emergencies.
Citizens can help shape government by joining political parties.
Political parties nominate, or select, candidates to run for political office.
They also try to convince voters to elect their candidates. Many citizens in
the United States have joined one of two political parties—the Democratic
Party or the Republican Party. Sometimes, citizens who believe their views
are not represented by these parties will form a third party. For example,
citizens formed the Green Party to focus on environmental issues.

Responsible Citizenship

Volunteers help citizens sign in to vote at a polling station. By planting a tree, these volunteers are beautifying their
community.

148 Module 4
 Citizens can also join interest groups, or organizations that try to
influence government policies and decisions. Members of interest groups
share a common goal. Members of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), for example, work to promote
racial equality.
On occasion, you may even need to stand in protest for what you believe.
Yet protest, like civic participation in any form, must also be peaceful,
respectful of the law, and tolerant of others’ rights and liberties.
Helping Your Community Have you ever volunteered to help your
community? There are so many ways to help—from giving your time at
the public library to participating in a walk for hunger. Citizens should
volunteer to improve their communities. The government cannot be aware
of every small problem, much less fix them all. Yet solving small problems
is something volunteers can do in many ways. Think of how small acts
of kindness—such as cheering up a sick person or working in an animal
shelter—can make community life better.
Respecting and Protecting Others’ Rights In return for performing civic
duties and responsibilities, people in the United States enjoy the privileges
and rights of citizenship. The lasting success and the strength of the
United States depend on the protection of its citizens’ rights. You can play
an important role in protecting these rights by knowing your own rights as
an American citizen and knowing and respecting the rights of the people
Reading Check
around you. For example, it is essential that community members respect
Form others’ property.
Generalizations You should also know when people’s rights are being violated. All
How can U.S.
citizens contribute Americans must help defend human rights. As a citizen, you have the
to society? responsibility to help make sure that our society works for everyone.

Citizens and the Media

You may not realize it, but you are surrounded by political messages every
day. You might see people on the news protesting a government action.
You might hear a radio host talk about raising taxes to fund education.
Your friends or relatives might share websites or online news articles that
support their favorite political candidate. As you have learned, forms of
media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television, film, and books
help you stay informed. They also help influence the way you think about
political leaders and issues.
Public Opinion The media plays an important role in free societies like
the United States. News organizations report on important events and
government actions. This allows citizens to stay informed and make their
own decisions.
What citizens learn from the media shapes public opinion, or the way
large groups of citizens think about issues and people. For example, when
the media reports the dishonest actions of an elected official, the public

Government and Citizenship 149

 may choose not to elect this person again. This puts pressure on political
leaders to act honestly and keep their campaign promises.
Sometimes the media, political leaders, and citizens use political
symbols to influence others’ opinions. Political symbols include images,
objects, or music that represent ideas or a political view. For example, a
donkey is used as a symbol for the Democratic Party and an elephant is
used to represent the Republican Party in the United States.
Have you ever seen a cartoon drawing of an elephant or donkey acting
like a politician? Or a cartoon version of the president with exaggerated
features? These are political cartoons used in the media to communicate
a political view. The creators of these cartoons sometimes use humor as a
way to persuade people to side with their political opinion.
Politicians often create political symbols to represent their ideas during
campaigns. For example, President Barack Obama’s campaign designed a
letter O that looked like a rising sun. This was to make voters feel hopeful
about the future if they voted for him. Citizens also use political symbols
to influence public opinion. During the Vietnam War, for example,
American citizens used the peace sign to show that they wanted peace.
This was a way to gain public support for their protest against the war.
Citizens rely on the media to help them decide how to vote on important
issues and how to pick the best candidates. Sometimes, however, the
Reading Check information you receive is inaccurate, misleading, or one-sided. Some
Analyze Effects How sources might be biased, or favor some ideas over others. A newspaper,
does public for example, might give the candidate it agrees with better coverage than
opinion help shape
government policy another. A part of being a good citizen means you must think critically
and action? about what you see, hear, and read.

Symbols in Political Cartoons

This cartoon titled “You Can’t

Have Everything” was created by
Herbert Block around 1938. In 1937
President Franklin D. Roosevelt
proposed a controversial plan to
increase the number of justices on
the Supreme Court.

Analyze Visuals
What symbols do you see in this
cartoon? What do you think the artist is
trying to say?

150 Module 4
 Citizenship in Other Societies
In other societies with representative governments, citizens’ roles and
rights are similar to, but not always the same as, those of U.S. citizens.
For instance, German citizens are not called to serve on juries, because
German courts do not use the jury system. The German constitution
guarantees its citizens freedom of the press, but that freedom can be
limited in order to protect youth or preserve a person’s honor.
There are major differences, however, between the roles and rights of
U.S. citizens and those of citizens from societies with nonrepresentative
governments. In such systems, government power is unlimited and
citizens have few, if any, rights. For example, citizens of Iran do not have
the right of freedom of speech. Without this freedom, Iranians cannot
voice their concerns to their leaders.
Citizens of nonrepresentative governments also have different
responsibilities than citizens of representative governments. In autocratic
governments, which are ruled by one person who makes all the decisions,
citizens do not get to vote. This is the same for citizens of an oligarchy, or
a government by a small group of individuals.
Citizens’ perception of opportunities to participate in and influence
the political process vary among various contemporary societies. For
example, in countries where citizens do not trust the people who run
their governments, voting turnout is much lower than in countries
where citizens tend to trust their governments. Sometimes, distrust
leads citizens to revolt against their leaders in an attempt to change
governments. The people of Tunisia, for example, led a revolution that
ousted their longtime president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and established a

Politicians and Political Symbols

Former Vice-President Joe Biden

stands in front of the vice-
presidential seal of the United
States.

Analyze Visuals
What political symbols do you see in
the vice-presidential seal? Why do you
think those symbols were used?

Government and Citizenship 151

 Reading Check democracy in January 2011. Other times, a group of people or the military
Contrast How do will overthrow the government and establish their own leader. These
nonrepresentative
governments differ attempts are called coups d’état or military coups.
from representative
democracies? Summary In this lesson, you learned about the rights, duties, and
responsibilities of citizenship. Effective citizenship is an important part
of representative governments. Without citizens participating in their
governments, their governments cannot represent their interests.

Lesson 3 Assessment
Review Ideas, Terms, and Places Critical Thinking
1. a. Define What is a representative government? 5. Evaluate Draw a two-column chart to list
b. Predict What would happen in a representative and describe citizens’ duties and responsibilities in
government if only a small group of people performed representative governments. Use the chart to help
their civic duties? answer this question: In your opinion, which duty
2. a. Interpret How are a citizen’s duties, rights, and or responsibility expected of citizens is the most
responsibilities connected? important? Explain your answer.
b. Summarize What are the rights and responsibilities DUTIES RESPONSIBILITIES
of citizens to their community, state, and nation?
3. a. Summarize How can citizens influence the political
process?
b. Compare How are the methods citizens use to
resolve issues in government and society alike?
c. Draw Conclusions How do you think the media
helps influence government policy and action?
4. a. Identify What is an example of a nonrepresentative
government?
b. Explain Why do the levels of civic engagement vary
among different contemporary societies?
c. Compare Do you think an election, revolution, or
coup is the best way to change governments?

152 Module 4
Social Studies Skills
Use a Problem-Solving Process
Define the Skill Problem
Solving problems is a process for finding Voter turnout in elections for local government
officials is decreasing in your hometown.
solutions to difficult situations. Being able to
use a problem-solving process is an important
skill that will help you identify problems and
solve challenges as they appear.
• In 2003, 51 percent of registered voters
voted in local elections.
Learn the Skill • By 2013, only 37 percent of registered
voters voted in local elections.
Use the following steps to solve problems.
• More people vote in local elections when they
1. Identify the problem. Study the issue to learn are held with state or national elections.
about the problem.
2. Gather information. Research and ask
questions to learn more about the problem. Possible
Evaluation
3. List options. Identify possible options for Options
solving the problem. Option 1 Start Option 1 might
4. Evaluate your options. Consider their a campaign to persuade more
encourage voters people to vote,
advantages and disadvantages.
to participate in but could be
5. Choose and implement a solution. After local elections expensive
comparing your options, choose the one Option 2 Hold Option 2 might
that seems best and apply it to solve your local elections on increase voter
problem. the same day as turnout, but
state or national might not always
6. Evaluate the solution. Once the solution
elections be possible
has been tried, evaluate how effectively it
solved the problem. If the solution does
not work, go back to your list of options
Solution
and start again.
An advertising campaign promoting voting in local
elections increased voter turnout by 7 percent and
Practice the Skill cost an estimated $500,000.

With a partner, use the steps of a problem-

solving process to address the issue of graffiti
in a local park. Express your ideas orally based
on your experiences. Also share information
that you learn from research. Then, create a
graphic organizer like the sample on this page.

Government and Citizenship 153

Module 4 Assessment
Review Vocabulary, Terms, and Places
For each pair of terms below, write one or two sentences describing how the terms in the
pair are related.

1. borders 4. totalitarian government

sovereign nation unlimited government
2. foreign policy 5. draft
diplomacy jury duty
3. democracy 6. interest group
limited government political party

Comprehension and Critical Thinking

Lesson 1 Lesson 3
7. a. Contrast What are differences between 9. a. Explain Why is public service important
physical and human borders? in representative governments?
b. Identify What are the various interests b. Analyze How does volunteering help
of different nations? your community?
c. Contrast What are the differences c. Elaborate Why would citizens in
between allies and adversaries? countries with a nonrepresentative
Lesson 2 government participate less in civic life?
8. a. Recall What group created and
practiced direct democracy? Reading Skills
b. Analyze What are some ways that gov- 10. Sequence Use the Reading Skills taught in
ernments can misuse power? this module to sequence the events in the
c. Compare Create a table like the one reading section below.
below to compare the advantages and After three centuries of control by Spain,
disadvantages of limited and unlimited in 1810 Mexican revolutionaries rose up
governments. against Spanish authority. In 1821 Mexico
declared independence. The country’s
Limited Government Unlimited Government current governmental structure and
constitution were established in 1917,
Advantages: Advantages: after a civil war that began in 1910.
Disadvantages: Disadvantages:

154 Module 4
Module 4 Assessment, continued
Social Studies Skills 12. Which letter indicates a country whose
11. Use a Problem-Solving Process Use the government does not allow its citizens any
Social Studies Skills taught in the module to rights or freedoms?
create a problem-solving graphic organizer.
13. Which letter indicates a country whose
Use the problem-solving process to address
government allows its citizens only partial
the issue of human rights in China. Gather
rights and freedoms?
information about the problem, such as
the Chinese government’s reaction to pro- 14. List the countries whose governments
democracy protests and social media use. allow their citizens rights and freedoms.
Then create a graphic organizer like the What system of government do you think is
one from the Social Studies Skills. List and practiced in these countries?
consider options for solving the problem.
Discuss the advantages and disadvan-
Focus on Writing
tages of each. Express your ideas based on
your experiences and research. Be sure to 15. Write an Article Research the
address China’s reactions to pro-democracy direct democracy of ancient Athens and
movements and social media use and the representative democracy of the
evaluate its effect on human rights. Finally, United States. Your purpose is to write an
choose what you think is the best solution article that compares and contrasts the
to improve human rights in China. procedures for making decisions in each
of these governments. Give your article
Map Activity a headline and write a brief introduction
that expresses your main idea. Then write
Freedom in Governments of the World Use the a paragraph comparing and contrasting
map below to answer the questions. the procedures each government uses to
make decisions. Be sure to describe the
BAHAMAS roles of citizens in making laws and elect-
Gulf of Mexico ing leaders. Then write a paragraph on ways
you think you could improve each system’s
CUBA DOMINICAN
GUATEMALA REPUBLIC procedures. Write a conclusion that summa-
HAITI
BELIZE rizes your main points. Your article should
JAMAICA
HONDURAS Puerto
Rico be focused and organized with a clear
(U.S.)
Caribbean Sea introduction, supporting paragraphs, and
NICARAGUA
conclusion. Check your article for spelling,
EL SALVADOR
grammar, and punctuation.
Free
COSTA RICA
Partly free
PANAMA
Not free
0 200 400 Miles

0 200 400 Kilometers

Projection: Azimuthal Equal-Area

HMH— Middle School World Geography—2018

ms_snlese668737_033m.ai
6_STXESE320406_910Mba
Central America & Caribbean Freedom
HMH SS Texas 2016 SE, Gr 6
Central America & Caribbean
Color Alts Freedom--legemd
First proof 03/16/17 Government and Citizenship 155
IMA first2nd proof
pass 03/22/17
11/4/2013
Approved: 3/24/2017