GED Social Studies

Comprehensive study of GED social studies covering fundamental concepts and advanced applications.
Foundations of GovernmentAmerican History EssentialsEconomics and Personal Finance
Analyzing Historical DocumentsCivic Participation and Public PolicyGeography and Global Connections
Reading Graphs, Charts, and MapsEvaluating Sources and Fake NewsPersonal Budgeting and Decision Making
Effective Reading and Note-TakingAnswering Multiple Choice Questions
Foundations of Gover...American History Ess...Economics and Person...Analyzing Historical...Civic Participation ...Geography and Global...Reading Graphs, Char...Evaluating Sources a...Personal Budgeting a...Effective Reading an...Answering Multiple C...
Basic Concepts

Foundations of Government

Understanding Governments

Every society needs some form of organization to make decisions, solve problems, and keep order. Governments help communities by creating rules, protecting rights, and providing services.

Types of Government

  • Democracy: Citizens have the power, often through voting.
  • Monarchy: Rule by a king, queen, or emperor.
  • Dictatorship: Power is held by one person or a small group.
  • Republic: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions.

Why Government Matters

Governments impact nearly every part of our daily lives, from the water we drink to the laws we follow.

Real-World Impact

Think about how a city council decides on building new parks, or how national laws protect your freedom of speech.

Examples

  • A city holds an election to choose a new mayor, allowing citizens to have a say.

  • A country enacts traffic laws to keep roads safe for everyone.

In a Nutshell

Governments organize communities, make laws, and provide services.

Key Terms

Democracy
A system where citizens have the power, usually through voting.
Monarchy
A government ruled by a king, queen, or emperor.
Dictatorship
A government controlled by one person or a small group.
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American History Essentials