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It is the framework of laws by which the U.S.A. is governed. Written in 1787, it declared that all men should have an equal voice in government. The American Constitution is one of the oldest written national constitutions in use today.

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■    A democracy is a political system in r which citizens (members of a State or

country) are given the opportunity to vote kfor their preferred candidate from a rangę Pbf political parties.

■    Elections should be open and fair and be held at regular intervals.

■    In almost all modern democracies, all adult citizens are able to vote.

■    All citizens should be free to express their political opinions without fear.

■    The law courts and judges (collectively called the judiciary) should be independent of the government.

American Revolution

(1775-1783) Thirteen colonies break free from British rule and form the United States of America

French Revo!ution

(1789-1799) The French monarchy is abolished, and France sets itself up as a republic.

Chinese Revolution

(1911) The last imperial dynasty (the Qing Dynasty) is overthrown and China becomes a republic.

What is the American Constitution?

WHATS IN A NAME?

When the Ancient Romans got rid of their kings in 509 bce and decided to rule themselves with elected officers, they called themselves a republic. Res publica in Latin means “public matter.”

Types of government

01: Monarchy: A country where the head of State is a monarch (king or ąueen) In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch usually has only limited powers. In an absolute monarchy, the monarch has ultimate control.

02: Republic: A country without a monarchy, where the head of State is usually an elected president.

03: Theocracy: A State governed by a religious leader or leaders.

04: Dictatorship: A State ruled by a single person who may have seized power by force or been elected unopposed.

05: Single-party State:

A State govemed by a single political party where no other parties are allowed to put up candidates for election.

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