Political Structure

- the form of government that rules a people.

• Who are the rule makers?

• Who governs and what process determines how do they come to be in charge?

• Did they get elected, or did they take control by force?

• How are the rulers organized to carry out government work?

• What laws (rules) do people have to follow?

• Is having a “strong enough government” balanced with “preserving people’s rights and liberties?” Or is there an imbalance?

• Are laws fair and do they treat people equally?

• What historical documents or traditions outline the rights and responsibilities of citizens?

• In what ways does the government and conditions citizens face reflect the following: democracy, rule of law, a written guarantee of rights, a written constitution, tyranny, dictatorship, oligarchy, monarchy, federalism, theocracy, constitutional monarchy?

• How is justice carried out and is it done “fairly?” Is there a court system and a guarantee of rights to attorney, fast trial and the examination of evidence? What is the basis of determining guilt/innocence and punishment?

• How is tax money collected and allocated?

• Do people have the ability to speak freely, challenge their government or participate in the changing of leadership? Are there means of doing so peacefully or do they does change only come about by violent revolution?

• What rights do people have?

• What role do people have in shaping the laws by which they must live?

• What duties does the government perform for people?

• What does the government control and how does it run?

• Is there a written constitution that describes governors' duties, terms in office, responsibilities and limitations, and process for establishing laws and process for conducting elections?

•Definition of Political Science