Types and Systems of Government Review

What is Autocracy?

Autocracy Government in which the power to govern is held by one person. Generally the power to rule is inherited or by military force. There are two types of Autocracy. What are they?

#1 Dictatorship The leader has not been elected and uses force to control all aspects of social and economic life. Examples: Adolf Hitler in Germany and Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union

#2 Absolute Monarchy A monarchy has a king, queen, emperor or empress. The power is usually inherited or passed down from family members. The monarch has absolute power meaning they can make all decisions without consulting anyone.

Absolute Monarchy ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES One-person rule. King or Queen has total control. Often thought as a divine right to rule that is passed from generation to generation. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. People are often given no individual liberties or civil rights. 1. People may be united in their loyalty to a monarch since there is no competition for trust and affection. 2. A monarch’s policies suit his/her own needs. Needs of the people may be neglected. 2. In an emergency, a monarch can move quickly to take action. No time is lost in debate or discussion. 3. Decision making has a narrow base - can be flawed, wrong, dangerous. No one was willing to tell the emperor what they think of his new clothes…

? What government shares power with a an absolute ruler and a legislature?

Constitutional Monarchy Kings, queens or emperors share power with elected legislatures. Generally the Kings are northing more than figureheads. The government is a democratic one that limits the monarchs power. Example: Great Britain

Constitutional Monarchy A government with a written plan, or constitution, that includes a monarch as a ceremonial leader and a parliament or other legislature to make the laws. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Citizens are involved in decision making through their representatives, lobbying, and voting. 1. Decision making is time consuming. Desire of representatives to please everyone may cripple system. 2. Representatives are aware their job depends on meeting the needs of their constituents. 2. Representatives may not always agree with those they represent. 3. More likely that all elements of the population are represented. 3. Lack of involved citizenry may allow special interest groups to influence or dominate representatives. 4. Monarch has almost celebrity status with the people. Are not held responsible for unpopular decisions, yet can help form public opinion

What is an Oligarchy?

Oligarchy A government in which a few people such as a dominant clan or clique have power. The group gets their power from either military, wealth or social status. Elections may be held but offer only one candidate. Examples: Greek city states

What is a Democracy?

Democracy In a democracy, the government is “Rule by the people” There are two forms of democracy Direct Democracy – People vote on all the issues. Representative Democracy – People elect representatives and give them the power to vote on issues. Example: United States

What is a Direct Democracy?

Direct Democracy ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES Government in which all citizens have equal power in decision making. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Every citizen has equal power in matters of government. Every citizen is involved in the decision making. 1. Only works when a small number of people are involved. Ability to gather all citizens in one place is necessary. 2. Since all citizens are involved in decision making, there is a broad base of support and loyalty. 2. Decision making involving all citizens is time-consuming. All citizens give in-put, debate, etc... 3. Individual liberties are protected.

What is a Representative Democracy?

Representative Democracy REPUBLIC/ Representative Democracy Government in which people elect representatives who hold the decision making power. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Citizens are involved in decision making through their representatives, lobbying, and voting. 1. Decision making is time consuming. Desire of representatives to please everyone may cripple system. 2. Representatives are aware their job depends on meeting the needs of their constituents. 2. Representatives may not always agree with those they represent. 3. More likely that all elements of the population are represented. 3. Lack of involved citizenry may allow special interest groups to influence or dominate representatives. 4. Generally, reps are educated and more-capable citizens who can devote time needed to solve complex problems.

Direct vs Representative Democracy What is the difference?

Four Functions of Government What are they?

In a democracy…. Individual freedom and equality is valued. Free elections are held Decisions are based on majority rule. All candidates can express their views freely. Citizens vote by secret ballot.

Democratic Governments There are two major forms of democratic governments: Parliamentary Presidential

Constitutional Monarchy/Parliamentary Democracy In a parliamentary form of democratic government, the people vote for those who represent the political party they feel best represents their views of how the government should operate. The legislature they elect, parliament, makes carries out (enforces) the laws for the country.

Parliament The leader of a parliamentary form of government is usually chosen by the party that winds the majority of representatives in the legislature. This leader is often called a prime minister or premier and is recognized as the head of the government. The prime minister leads the executive branch of the government and must answer directly to the legislature for the actions and policies recommended. In many parliamentary governments, a head of state (president or king/queen) serves as ceremonial leader

The actual work of the parliament is led by the prime minister, who represents the leading political party in the country. He or she rules with the help of a cabinet, or group of advisors. A prime minister may be voted out of office if the party he or she leads lose power

Presidential Democracy Voters elect legislators Voters elect (indirectly) the president. Therefore, in the presidential system voters have a more direct say about those who serve in two branches of the government : Legislative Executive

Parliamentary System Presidential System Executive Executive Legislative Select Elect Elect Legislative Elect Citizens Citizens

Theocracy A form of government in which God or a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler. Often religious institutional representatives (i.e.: a church), replaces or is mixed into the civilian government. Can be an Oligarchy, Representative Democracy, and even a Monarchy.

Systems of Government are based on one question: How is the power distributed? There are three ways governments distribute power: Unitary Confederation Federal

Unitary One central government controls everything. Power is not shared between states, counties or provinces. Examples : United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Spain

Confederation A voluntary association of independent states that agrees to follow a powerful central government. Nations can choose to follow or not follow the lead of the weak central government. Examples: Confederate States of America ( 1861-1865), United Nations

Federal Power is shared by a powerful central government. States or provinces are given considerable self rule, usually through their own legislatures. Examples: United States, Germany

COMMUNISM a theory advocating elimination of private property.  a system in which goods are owned by the government. Land, business, jobs controlled by government. Typically a one party system in which all political power rest with the party (i.e. China).

Capitalism Private ownership of land and business Government has little control over prices, ownership of resources, or products produced. Promotes competition to produce a quality product at a low price. Countries: United States

Socialism Government that allows private ownership of homes, land, and business. Government owns and controls large resources to make money. Example: Venezuela's government controls the oil to make money for the country.