Notes 10 Forms of Government Dictatorship What is

Notes # 10 “Forms of Government Dictatorship

What is a Dictator? • What makes a Dictator? • Can you name any Dictators? Why are they dictators?

A Dictator • A dictatorship is a form of government characterized by the absolute rule of one person or a very small group of people who hold all political power. • Dictators therefore can be any government that is controlled by one or a few people without any checks and balances on their power.

A Dictator • A dictator can be elected, like Hitler. • A dictator can take over by force, like • A dictator can be a King, like King George III during the American Revolution.

Tools of Control • State Run media (Control of the press). • Usually have power over the military. • Usually have a “Secret Police” force that enforces their control over anyone who goes against their power. • Usually takes over a country that has had a lot of political in fighting for sometime.

Cult of Personality With the help of the State Run media, most dictators are shown to the people as almost God like figures. i. e. , Kim Jong-il of North Korea never went to the bathroom. # 2 is apparently something disgusting that a God would not do.

Life under a Dictator • As you can guess, with a ruler who has almost total control, life can be pretty bad for most people. • Very few rights, though some dictators actually help their people, most use their power for pure EVIL!!!

Dictator You!!! • What country are you a Dictator of? • How did you take power? • How do you control your country? – Like media and military? • What is life like in your country? – Good dictator, explain. – Or – Bad dictator , explain.