There are many different kinds
of governments in the world
today.A democracy is a type of
government run by the people.
Therefore, people hold the
power.In some democracies, the
people elect government leaders
to represent them. These leaders
then make and carry out laws
and policies for the people. This
is called a representative
democracy. The United States is a
representative democracy.A
monarchy is ruled by a king or
queen, called a monarch.A
dictatorship is a form of
government in which one person
has absolute power.Some
dictators abuse their power. This
can limit personal freedoms and
human rights.
Elements of Culture
Culture is a set of beliefs, behaviors, and traits shared by a group of
people.An ethnic group is people who share a common racial, national,
tribal, religious, or cultural background.A dialect is a regional variety of a
language. Dialects can have their own vocabulary, grammar, or
pronunciation.Religion influences how people of a culture see the
world.Customs are an outward display of culture. Some are used
formally.The arts are an important part of a culture. This includes dance,
music, visual arts, and literature.Government is also an element of
culture.Economies control the use of natural resources.A cultural region is
a geographic area in which people have certain traits in common.
Changing Cultures
Cultures change over time. As
people move from place to place,
they bring their cultural
traditions with them.Trade can
also change a culture. When
people trade, they travel to
other places. Once there, they
sell and exchange goods,
bringing their languages,
customs, and ideas with
them.Culture can also change
because of technology.Today’s
world is becoming more
blended every day. As this
happens, new cultural traditions
are born. Globalization is when
nations, cultures, and
economies become mixed. This
can have both positive and
negative effects on cultures.