Types of Government Quiz to come
Objective: Grade 6 Civics and Government Describe the structure of the following governments: democracy, theocracy, dictatorship, republic, monarchy, and anarchy.
Theocracy Form of government where the rulers claim to be ruling on behalf of a set of religious ideas, or as direct agents of a deity (a god or God).
Democracy In a democracy, the governing power is derived from the people, either by direct vote of the people or by means of elected representatives of the people. It is distinct from governments controlled by a particular social class or group (aristocracy; oligarchy) or by a single person (despotism; dictatorship; monarchy).
Anarchy Anarchy: No government. This situation 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. They feel it stops people organizing their own lives.
Oligarchy A government in which a few people such as a dominant clan or clique have power.
Monarchy A monarchy has a king or queen, emperor or empress. The ruling position can be passed on to the ruler’s heirs. In some traditional monarchies, the monarch has absolute power. A constitutional monarchy, like the United Kingdom, also has a democratic government that limits the monarch's control.
Dictatorship 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.
Republic A republic is a country that has no monarch and the people retain overall control of the country. The head of the country is usually an elected president.
More types of Government
Autocracy Government by a single person having unlimited power; despotism (domination through threat of punishment and violence.)
Capitalism 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. Most capitalist governments also provide their citizens education, health and welfare services.
Communism In a communism there is no private property or business. Communist governments own the property and everyone is to be equal. The government provides all healthcare, education and welfare.
Revolutionary If a government is overthrown either peaceful means or by force, the new ruling group is sometimes called a revolutionary government.
Totalitarian This is a political system where the state is under the control of a single person, political party or class of people. People are forced to do what the government tells them and may also be prevented from leaving the country.
Citizenship Discussion: Describe the importance of citizens being actively involved in the democratic process. Voting Student government Involvement in political decision making Analyzing issues Petitioning public officials