1. Political Systems

2. Extra vocab: Abdication: Resign Coup d'état- change of government illegally or by force

3. Absolute Monarchies A system of government headed by a king/queen, who is the only source of power, controlling all functions of the state. No constitution, or legally organized opposition Believe in Divine Right of Kings Divine Right of Kings- they were chosen by God to rule the country Power through birth/marriage Length of rule- death, overthrow, abdication

4. Absolute Monarchs Past and Present Fredrick William I Qatar: Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani

5. Constitutional Monarchies A system of government headed by a monarch whose powers are defined/limited Responsibilities are spelled out in laws, constitutions, or by customs. Monarchs today are figureheads Length of rule- King/Queen rule until death. Prime ministers length in office ends at the end of their term in office or until he is removed People choose parliament Ex. United Kingdom

6. Constitutional Manarchs Queen Elizabeth the II of England (Figure Head) England Prime Minister: David Cameron

7. Parliamentary Democracies a political system in which the political party with the largest representation in the legislature (parliament) chooses the leader (prime minister, premier, or chancellor) from their party Parties with less representation still have an important role. Their job is to challenge the majority in parliament and the leader. Length of rule- End of term, or when the majority of parliament no longer believes in, or loses confidence in, the leader, a new leader is chosen. People Choose Parliament

8. Parliamentary Democracies Prime Minister TUILA'EPA Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi (SAMOA) Prime Minister Morgan TSVANGIRA (ZIMBABWE)

9. Presidential Democracies A system of government characterized by a separation of powers between branches of government such as the United States. Checks and balances- Think rock paper scissors between the three branches of government. prevents one branch or person from have all the power. Length of rule- end of term People vote for leader.

10. Dictatorships A system of government in which those who rule have absolute power (not restricted by a constitution or laws). usually acquire and maintain authority by force Length of rule- Death, or Coup Stay in power by silencing their opposition People have no say in who their leader is

11. Dictators Past and Present Saddam Hussein

12. Theocracies A system of government headed by one or more religious leaders who claim to rule by divine authority. God is the head of the country Laws often come from religious law Rule until death or overthrow (revolution)