There are many different types of governments around our world.

Limited Governments A limited government is one in which the powers of the leaders are limited. This means that all laws apply to everyone, even the leaders of the country. A limited government is one in which the powers of the leaders are limited. This means that all laws apply to everyone, even the leaders of the country. U.S – Republic U.S – Republic Canada – Constitutional Monarchy Canada – Constitutional Monarchy

Unlimited Government An unlimited government is a government in which the leaders have almost absolute power. This means that the leaders do not have to follow the laws that they set up for their people. An unlimited government is a government in which the leaders have almost absolute power. This means that the leaders do not have to follow the laws that they set up for their people. EX: former dictator Saddam Hussain EX: former dictator Saddam Hussain

Monarchy Etymology: Monos (single) and arkein (rule) Etymology: Monos (single) and arkein (rule) A form of government in which ruling power is in the hands of one person who retains his power for life. A form of government in which ruling power is in the hands of one person who retains his power for life.

Oligarchy Etymology: Oligos (few) and arkein (rule) Etymology: Oligos (few) and arkein (rule) A form of government, which ruling power is in the hands of a few powerful people (usually the wealthy upper class.) A form of government, which ruling power is in the hands of a few powerful people (usually the wealthy upper class.) This type of government was common in ancient times. This type of government was common in ancient times.

Tyranny Etymology: tyrannos Etymology: tyrannos (usurper with supreme power) (usurper with supreme power) A form of government in which ruling power is in the hands of a person who has gained power by promising the poor people that he will do good things for them, so they will support him. A form of government in which ruling power is in the hands of a person who has gained power by promising the poor people that he will do good things for them, so they will support him. Sometimes tyrants took power by force. Sometimes tyrants took power by force.

Democracy Etymology: Demos (people) and kratos (power) Etymology: Demos (people) and kratos (power) A form of government in which ruling power is in the hands of the people. A form of government in which ruling power is in the hands of the people. Ancient Greece was the birth place of democracy. All male citizens could participate in the Athenian government. Ancient Greece was the birth place of democracy. All male citizens could participate in the Athenian government.

Republic A nation or state in which the citizens elect representatives to manage the government, which is usually headed by a president rather than a monarch. A nation or state in which the citizens elect representatives to manage the government, which is usually headed by a president rather than a monarch. The U.S. is a Republic The U.S. is a Republic The Ancient Romans were the first to create this form of government. The Ancient Romans were the first to create this form of government.

Theocracy Etomology: theos (God) and kratein (rule). A form of government in which God, or a god, is recognized as the supreme ruler. The state may be ruled by priests or other religious leaders acting in God’s name; by a king thought to have divine power; or by authorities governing according to religious laws. Example: The Roman Catholic Church

Communism A political and economic system in which most or all property is owned by the state and is supposed to be shared by all. The government controls most aspects of people’s lives. A political and economic system in which most or all property is owned by the state and is supposed to be shared by all. The government controls most aspects of people’s lives. Communism became one of the most powerful forces in the world after World War 2. Communism became one of the most powerful forces in the world after World War 2. Examples: Cuba and the former Soviet Union Examples: Cuba and the former Soviet Union

Fascism This form of government headed, in most cases, by a dictator. It involves total government control of political, economic, cultural, religious, and social activities. This form of government headed, in most cases, by a dictator. It involves total government control of political, economic, cultural, religious, and social activities. Fascism resembles Communism. Fascism resembles Communism. Ex. Adolph Hitler

Fascism continued Between 1936 and 1945 both Germany and Italy were under fascist rule. Hitler and Mussolini

Dictatorship A government whose leader has complete control over a country’s government. A government whose leader has complete control over a country’s government. Ex: Fidel Castro of Cuba Ex: Fidel Castro of Cuba

Constitutional Monarchy A government headed by a king or queen who has little or no political power. A government headed by a king or queen who has little or no political power. The real power lies with a governing body of elected representatives and headed by a Prime Minister. The real power lies with a governing body of elected representatives and headed by a Prime Minister. Examples: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan Examples: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan