Forms of Government

GOVERNMENT Government is the form or system of rule by which a state, community, etc., is governed: democratic government.

Anarchy A condition of lawlessness or political disorder brought about by the absence of governmental authority. Anarchy is a situation where there is no government. This can happen after a civil war in a country, when a government has been destroyed and rival groups are fighting to take its place. Anarchists are people who believe that government is a bad thing in that it stops people organizing their own lives.

Autocracy Autocracy is government by one individual. Government by a single person having unlimited power; despotism (domination through threat of punishment and violence).

Totalitarian A government that seeks to subordinate the individual to the state by controlling not only all political and economic matters, but also the attitudes, values, and beliefs of its population. This is a country with only one political party. People are forced to do what the government tells them and may also be prevented from leaving the country.

Dictatorship A form of government in which a ruler or small clique wield absolute power (not restricted by a constitution or laws). A country ruled by a single leader. The leader has not been elected and may use force to keep control. In a military dictatorship, the army is in control.

Fascism A governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism. For example, Italy and Nazi Germany in WWII.

Oligarchy A government in which a few people such as a dominant clan or clique (the elite) have power.

Theocracy A form of government in which a country is ruled by religious leaders.

Communism (Opposite of Capitalism) A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single - often totalitarian - party holds power; state controls are imposed with the elimination of private ownership of property or capital while claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people (i.e., a classless society). In a communist country, the economy is centrally controlled; the government owns property such as businesses and farms. It provides its people's healthcare, education and welfare.

Socialism A government in which the means of planning, producing, and distributing goods is controlled by a central government that theoretically seeks a more just and equitable distribution of property and labour. It provides its people's healthcare, education and welfare. Though somewhat similar to communism, this type of government is democratic. Canada, for example, has some socialist tendencies (e.g. free healthcare, education, etc.).

Monarchy A government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of a monarch who reigns over a state or territory, usually for life and by hereditary right; the monarch may be either a sole absolute ruler or a sovereign - such as a king, queen, or prince - with constitutionally limited authority. A monarchy has a king, queen, emperor or empress. The ruling position can be passed on to the ruler’s heirs.

Types of Monarchies In some traditional monarchies, the monarch has absolute power. Absolute Monarchy – the classic form of monarchy in which the monarch has total authority over the government and his or her people. A cabinet of advisors may be assembled to assist the monarch, but they cannot make major decisions. This type of monarchy is increasingly rare. But a constitutional monarchy, like in the UK and Canada, also has a democratic government that limits the monarch's control. Constitutional Monarchy - a system of government in which a monarch is guided by a constitution whereby his/her rights, duties, and responsibilities are spelled out in written law or by custom.

Democracy In a democracy, the government is elected by the people. Everyone who is eligible to vote has a chance to have their say over who runs the country. It is distinct from governments controlled by a particular social class or group (aristocracy; oligarchy) or by a single person (despotism; dictatorship; monarchy). A democracy is determined either directly or through elected representatives. Democracy (Representative Democracy) - a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but which is usually exercised indirectly through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed.

Republic A republic is a country that has no monarch. The head of the country is usually an elected president. Republic - a representative democracy in which the people's elected deputies (representatives), not the people themselves, vote on legislation.

Capitalism (Opposite of Communism) Liberal Capitalism – an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit. In a capitalist or free-market country, people can own their own businesses and property. People can also buy services for private use, such as healthcare. But most capitalist governments also provide their own education, health and welfare services.

Revolutionary If a government is overthrown by force, the new ruling group is sometimes called a revolutionary government.