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Throughout history, countries have been run by
a variety of leaders and governments. At one time,
heads of state were royalty, ruling with absolute
authority. In many countries, power has now
passed to the people, as democratic elections
have replaced royal rule. Many citizens have
the right to vote for their political leaders and
to protest against them when necessary. Having
won a place at the forefront of government, prime
ministers and presidents run many world states.PROTEST ▼
If the citizens of a state or nation do
not agree with the actions or policies of
the ruling government, they sometimes
rally together to stage a public protest.
Often marching to the government’s
headquarters, people voice their concerns
in an attempt to bring about change.LEGISLATURE ▶
States have elected representatives who
are responsible for making laws, known
as legislating. Government members debate
new policies or changes to existing laws.
Once the laws have been agreed, they are
officially drafted by the legislatures. These
laws must then be followed by all citizens.CITIZENSHIP ▲
People born into a country or state are
called its citizens. This gives them the right
to protection by the government as well
as the right to vote. Along with rights come
responsibilities, and citizens are expected
to abide by the laws of the land. Immigrants
and refugees can sometimes become citizens
of another country. Each country or state
is identified by its national flag.United States Congress where
new laws are passedIn the House of
Commons, ministers
debate changes to law
and government policyThe state
German flagMegaphones are often
used by protesters to
make their voices heardProtesters demonstrate
outside the Philippine
presidential palace
in 2007A passport is an official
government document
that allows each citizen
to travel abroadCeremonial mace
is kept in the UK’s
House of CommonsIn times of war,
governments can call
upon citizens to fight
for their countryFrench flag214_215_The_State.indd 214 03/01/19 12:11 PM