Activity Overview
As part of understanding the different types of government, it's great for students to be able to reference actual countries that are or had that each type at some point during their existence. This exercise will help students better understand the formation and history of that country, as well as their past and current relationships with each other.
In this activity, students will create a Frayer Model or a spider map that depicts real-life examples of different types of government. The governments that are chosen can be either current or historic. In the description box below each representation, students should include background information on the government, along with any significant events, laws, or individuals that emerged from the government.
Extended Activity:
As an extension to this activity (or perhaps an alternative), students can choose one country and investigate the different types of government that existed there over time. Students should be able to analyze the events that caused the changes and the impact each type had on the people and the country's international relationships.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating real life examples of different types of government in the world.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the type of government.
- In the descriptions, write a summary of a real life example.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
As part of understanding the different types of government, it's great for students to be able to reference actual countries that are or had that each type at some point during their existence. This exercise will help students better understand the formation and history of that country, as well as their past and current relationships with each other.
In this activity, students will create a Frayer Model or a spider map that depicts real-life examples of different types of government. The governments that are chosen can be either current or historic. In the description box below each representation, students should include background information on the government, along with any significant events, laws, or individuals that emerged from the government.
Extended Activity:
As an extension to this activity (or perhaps an alternative), students can choose one country and investigate the different types of government that existed there over time. Students should be able to analyze the events that caused the changes and the impact each type had on the people and the country's international relationships.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating real life examples of different types of government in the world.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the type of government.
- In the descriptions, write a summary of a real life example.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Governments of the World
Engage your class with a government role-play simulation
Involve your students in a hands-on simulation where they act out different forms of government. This builds understanding by letting students experience decision-making and leadership dynamics firsthand.
Assign student roles for each government type
Designate roles such as leader, advisor, citizen, or lawmaker for each government system. Assigning parts gives every student an active voice and clarifies how power is distributed.
Create classroom scenarios for each government
Present simple, relatable situations (like choosing a class reward or solving a problem) for students to resolve using their assigned government style. Scenarios make abstract concepts concrete.
Facilitate group discussion after each simulation
Lead a debrief after each role-play to compare experiences, highlight challenges, and discuss how each government affected decision-making. Reflection deepens student insight and supports critical thinking.
Encourage students to connect simulation outcomes to real-world examples
Ask students to relate what happened in their activity to actual countries and historical events. This reinforces learning and builds global awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions about Governments of the World
What are examples of different types of government around the world?
Examples of different types of government include democracies (United States), monarchies (United Kingdom), dictatorships (North Korea), theocracies (Iran), and communist states (China). Each system has distinct structures and ways of governing citizens.
How can students compare government types using real-life countries?
Students can compare government types by researching actual countries that represent each system, summarizing their history, major events, and how each government impacted its people. Using tools like the Frayer Model or spider maps helps organize these comparisons visually.
What is a Frayer Model and how is it used in teaching about governments?
A Frayer Model is a graphic organizer that helps students define concepts by providing examples, non-examples, characteristics, and illustrations. In government lessons, it can visually break down each type of government with definitions and real-world country examples.
How do changes in government impact a country's people and global relationships?
Changes in government can affect citizens’ rights, daily lives, and freedoms, while also shifting a country’s alliances, trade, and diplomatic relationships internationally. Analyzing these impacts helps students understand the significance of government evolution.
What is an easy classroom activity to teach types of government to middle schoolers?
An easy classroom activity is having students create storyboards or spider maps illustrating different government types, using real-life country examples, descriptions, and images to reinforce understanding in a fun, visual way.
More Storyboard That Activities
Introduction to Government
- Constitution of the United States of America • The U.S. National Archives • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
- Hitler and Rohm, leader of the Nazi SA • History In An Hour • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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