Chapter 7 Democracy & Autocracy

Types of Regimes Regime: general form of govt. of a state, including the constitution and rules of govt. Types Democracy Autocracy

Democracy A regime in which all eligible voters may vote to choose their government who make state policies Activity level of population varies from state to state Govt. of the people

Democracy With end of communism in 1989, the “third wave” or expansion of democracy began to take place Many of the recent world shifts to democracy were sudden and surprising

Democracies More affluent than countries that are not democracies Possible reason is that democracies foster economic growth However, affluence is only one possible reason for democracy. Freedom another.

Autocracy A regime in which those who have power did not get it by any regular constitutional process and are not responsible in their exercise of this power to any formal set of rules Vary politically

Military Regime Form of autocracy When a group of military officers use their troops to take over the government (this process is called a coup) Issues of legitimacy can contribute to the fact that there are not more military regimes

One-Party States Often in autocracy One major party to run/hold office Government recognizes and is run by this one party

Other Autocracies Monarchy: state ruled by King/Queen Theocracy: state ruled by religious leaders Consider the theme of the book: Power & Choice. Which regime is better?