1.2.6 Practice: Comparing Governments
Practice Assignment
U.S. Government and Politics (S3855101)
Anayeli Cancino
Points possible: 20
Date: ____________
For this assignment, you will compare and contrast the governments of three nation-states in Asia: Japan, North Korea, and the Philippines. To complete the assignment, follow these steps:
Research: Explore the provided websites to gather facts about the three governments and answer questions about the purpose, structure, and operation of each one.
Analyze: Answer a series of questions about the similarities and differences between these government systems in terms of how they operate and their citizens’ experiences.
Evaluate: Write a brief paragraph evaluating the most significant advantages and disadvantages of each of the three government systems you researched.
To get the best grade possible, follow the instructions in the assignment closely and answer all of the questions completely. This assignment is worth 20 points.
Use these links to conduct research on the governments of Japan, North Korea, and the Philippines and then answer the questions that follow. This section is worth 5 points.
Web Links
Japan
CIA World Factbook (Japan)
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html
Encyclopaedia Britannica (Japan)
http://www.britannica.com/place/Japan
North Korea
CIA World Factbook (North Korea)
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kn.html
Encyclopaedia Britannica (North Korea)
http://www.britannica.com/place/North-Korea
The Philippines
CIA World Factbook (Philippines)
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rp.html
Encyclopaedia Britannica (Philippines)
http://www.britannica.com/place/Philippines
1. Classify the government of each country by who has the power. Is the government a democracy, a monarchy, or a dictatorship? If it is a monarchy or a dictatorship, explain what kind. (1 point)
Japan:
North Korea:
The Philippines:
2. To what extent can the people participate in the governing process of each country? Explain your answers. (1 point)
Japan:
North Korea:
The Philippines:
3. Classify each government by how much power is held. Does the country have a constitution that limits government power? If government power is not limited, explain whether the system is authoritarian or totalitarian. (1 point)
Japan:
North Korea:
The Philippines:
4. How is power distributed in each government? Is there a separation of powers between branches? If branches do exist, are there checks and balances between them? (1 point)
Japan:
North Korea:
The Philippines:
5. Describe the overall level of rights and freedoms, including economic freedom, each country grants its citizens. (1 point)
Japan:
North Korea:
The Philippines:
Use the notes gathered in your research to answer the questions that follow. Support your responses with specific details from your research. This section is worth 9 points.
1. People’s ability to express their will varies depending on their country’s form of government. How do the governments of Japan, North Korea, and the Philippines differ in their attention (or lack thereof) to the will of the people? (3 points)
2. Japan, North Korea, and the Philippines each have a constitution. What role does each country’s constitution play in organizing power in the government and shaping the lives of citizens? (3 points)
3. Given what you already know about the types of governments in Japan, North Korea, and the Philippines, what role do you think rule of law plays in each nation-state? (3 points)
You will now evaluate the most significant strengths and weaknesses of each of the three government systems you have researched. For each nation-state, select one strength and one weakness to discuss. Be sure to back up your choices with evidence and reasoning. This section is worth 6 points.
Japan
North Korea
The Philippines
