1. For each of the 3 countries, give the following information:

1. capital
2. location/the countries that share its borders
3. the religious breakdown of the population
4. the type of government
5. the chief of state (and head of government if different) If monarch or dictator, since what date has he/she ruled? – include name of heir apparent for monarch
6. the population

Find the answers at the CIA World FactBook website. For each country, answers can be found under the “Geography” “People” and “Government” headings.

NOTE: Before answering the questions below, read the info under “Background” and watch the video under “Resources.”

2. For MEXICO:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) How many TVs in total did the Mexican government give away?
c) What was the total cost of this government give-away?
d) How many of the TVs given away were defective? - How much did this amount to?
e) What was the purpose of the TV give-away?
f) List 4-5 facts that illustrate the corruption and/or ineffectiveness of this program.

3. For BAHRAIN:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) On what grounds did Bahrain’s justice ministry seek to ban the main opposition party?
c) What effect will this have?

4. For NETHERLANDS:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Read the “Background” and watch the video under “Resources.” Wilders is labeled “far-right extremist” etc. What do you think? Are his assertions reasonable or unreasonable?
CHALLENGE QUESTION: Research the Netherlands’ form of government. Explain the parliamentary system. Explain what it means to “form a government” after elections. What is a coalition government? What is the multi-party system?