Forms of government around the world from edX

An understanding of how political power is organised in our democracies, and what the resulting forms of government structure are, is the main aim of this course, which has a basis in law but, as you will see from the beginning, combines so many different subject areas that it can be termed multi-disciplinary.

The course looks at the way different forms of government are organised, their functional logic and their evolution. Every constitutional order, every political community, has its own form of government and its own political institutions and these can be classified according to type because they are based on very few basic models despite the numerous variants. The course studies the origins of these basic models and the main features of each, taking recent changes into consideration to draw conclusions about the present and the future, within a perspective of a necessary and constant maintenance of the constitution.

During the lessons, learners have the opportunity to study the best of politology and other subjects like institutional and political history and cultural anthropology.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The different forms of organisation of political power in contemporary society
The controversial and debated attempts at reform in italy

How presidential models work
How parliamentary models work, their current difficulties and what can be done to improve them

The different forms of organisation of political power in contemporary society
The controversial and debated attempts at reform in italy
How presidential models work
How parliamentary models work, their current difficulties and what can be done to improve them

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers evolution of forms of governance based on deep constitutional roots that are crucial to political science

Explores a comprehensive view of politics, history, and law, which is uncommon

Taught by Carlo Fusaro, an expert in politics

Provides a perspective on Italian political reform that is informative to students of Italian politics

Requires background in political and legal concepts, which may limit broader appeal

Career center

Learners who complete Forms of government around the world will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Public Affairs Specialist

Public Affairs Specialists manage communications and media relations for government agencies and nonprofit organizations. They also work with the public to build support for policies and programs. Courses like this can provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful public affairs specialists. They would also help students develop a deep understanding of the media and the public policy process.

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Public Administrator

Public Administrators work in government agencies to implement public policy and provide services to the public. They may work in a variety of roles, such as public finance, human resources, or public works. Courses like this can provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful public administrators. They would also help students develop a deep understanding of the workings of government.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. They present their findings to government officials, policymakers, and the public to inform decision-making. Courses like this can provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful policy analysts. They would also help students develop a deep understanding of the policymaking process.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study the theory and practice of politics. This "includes studying constitutions and laws, as well as how governments and political systems are organized and operate" ("Political Scientist," n.d.). This course would be a great introduction to the study of Political Science. It would provide students with a foundation in the theory and practice of politics. The course's focus on how different forms of government are organized would be particularly helpful for students interested in Political Science.

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Lobbyist

Lobbyists represent individuals and organizations before government agencies and officials. They advocate for their clients' interests and try to influence policy decisions. This course would provide students with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of politics. It would also help students develop the skills they need to be successful lobbyists.

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Government Affairs Manager

Government Affairs Managers are responsible for "monitoring and managing relationships with government agencies and officials" ("Government Affairs Manager Job Description & Career Guide," n.d.). This course will help build a foundation for success. In particular, the course's focus on understanding how political power is organized will be invaluable for Government Affairs Managers. This is because Government Affairs Managers need a deep understanding of the workings of government to succeed.

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Campaign Manager

Campaign Managers plan and execute political campaigns for candidates or political parties. They are responsible for fundraising, advertising, and getting out the vote on Election Day. Courses like this can provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful campaign managers. They would also help students develop a deep understanding of the political process.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and edit news stories. They work for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. This course would provide students with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of politics. It would also help students develop the skills they need to be successful journalists covering politics.

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Urban Planning Director

Urban Planning Directors oversee the planning and development of cities and towns. They work with architects, engineers, and other professionals to create plans that will improve the quality of life for residents. Courses like this can provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful urban planning directors. They would also help students develop a deep understanding of the factors that affect urban planning.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations and are often responsible for fundraising and budgeting. They may also work in advocacy, community organizing, and other areas of social change. Courses like this can be useful to nonprofit managers who want to gain a deeper understanding of the political environment in which they work.

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Researcher

Research in political science typically collects data from a variety of sources to understand political phenomena, such as elections, public opinion, and policymaking. This course may aid in the pursuit of this research.

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Teacher

Teachers develop and implement lesson plans for students. They manage classrooms and create assignments that will aid learning. This course may be useful to teachers who are teaching the subject of government at a high school or college level, as it can strengthen their understanding of how governments operate.

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Legislator

Legislators are responsible for writing and passing laws. Legislative staff is responsible for a variety of administrative, legal, and policy-related work. This can include overseeing legislation, managing legislator offices, assisting with constituent services, and conducting research and analysis. Courses like this may be helpful to those who want to work for a legislator or enter politics themselves.

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Writer

This course in understanding how political power is organized can provide writers with more fully developed characters. Whether writing fiction, nonfiction, or political thrillers, a deeper understanding of how political power is organized will benefit the narrative.

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Lawyer

A lawyer provides legal guidance and advice to individuals and organizations. This often involves specialization in specific areas like Criminal, Tort, Civil, Corporate, Family, or Constitutional law. Courses like this may be particularly relevant to specializing in Constitutional law.

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