Lessons 6–7 · 2 lessons · O. Karimova, N. Ismatova, Sh. Sariqov, O. Amanova (methodological editor E. Sariqov). O‘zbekiston davlati va huquqi asoslari (Foundations of the state and law of Uzbekistan), Grade 8. Huquq va Jamiyat publishers, Tashkent, 2019
6
Form of government
Textbook: pp. 30–34
GoalExplain the forms of government – monarchy and republic – their types and features.
New words
monarchy · monarxiyarepublic · respublikapresidential republic · prezidentlik respublikasiparliamentary republic · parlamentar respublika
Explanation
The form of government shows how supreme state power is organised and how far the population takes part in forming it. In a monarchy (Greek, “rule of one”) the head of state – the monarch – usually receives power by inheritance and for a long term. In an absolute monarchy the monarch’s power is not limited by any other body; in a limited (constitutional, parliamentary) monarchy it is bounded by a constitution and parliament, for example in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Japan. In a republic (Latin, “public affair”) the supreme bodies of power are elected for a fixed term. In a presidential republic (USA, Brazil) the head of state – the president – is elected by the people and also leads the executive; in a parliamentary republic (Germany, Italy, India) the government mainly relies on parliament. Uzbekistan is a republic; the President is elected directly by the people.
Worked examples
In the United Kingdom the king (queen) is the head of state, but laws are passed by parliament and the government is formed from the parliamentary majority – a limited monarchy.
In a presidential election citizens vote for a fixed term; when it ends a new election is held. This is a sign of a republic: power is given by election and for a set period.
Class activity
“Monarchy or republic?”: the teacher names a list of countries (Denmark, India, Brazil, Norway, Italy, Japan, Germany). Groups check with a map or textbook and fill a two-column table.
Practice
1
What do the words monarchy and republic mean?
Monarchy is Greek for “rule of one”; republic is Latin for “public affair”.
2
What is the difference between an absolute and a limited monarchy?
In an absolute monarchy the monarch’s power is unlimited; in a limited monarchy a constitution and parliament restrain it.
3
State one difference between a presidential and a parliamentary republic.
In a presidential republic the president is elected by the people and leads the executive; in a parliamentary republic the government relies on parliament.
4
Why is it important that bodies of power in a republic are elected for a term?
The people can replace them, power does not stay forever with one person, and accountability grows.