Systems & Forms of Government

Where did “government” come from? How did it begin?

Types of Government Monarchy Democracy Autocracy Oligarchy

Monarchy Power is inherited, or passed down, through family. Absolute monarchy: rulers claimed complete power, sometimes by divine right. Whatever they said was law. Constitutional monarchy: king/queen serves as head of state, but actual power is held by an elected legislature called Parliament.

Democracy Power is held by the people. Direct democracy: citizens directly debate and decide public issues. Representative democracy: citizens elect representatives to make important decisions on public issues.

Other Forms… Autocracy: Only one person holds absolute power. Examples: absolute monarchy; dictatorship Oligarchy: this means “rule by a few”; a group of people controls the government. Theocracy: rule by a god or higher power; religious rulers lead the society and religious law is used to rule. Example: Islamic Republic of Iran Anarchy: no government; no one is in charge.

Federal Confederal Unitary Systems of Government *This refers to the relationship between the central government and the local regions.

Unitary Central government is all-powerful Local regions have their own governments, but they can only do what the central government allows. Examples: United Kingdom France Sweden Central Authority

Federal Power is shared between the local regions and the central governments. Each has responsibilities concerning their level of government. Examples: United States Mexico Brazil India Central Authority Regional Authority

Confederal Independent parts (states/regions) form an association, but do not give up any of their own power. They may assign some tasks to the central government. Examples: European Union Regional Authority Regional Authority Regional Authority Regional Authority Regional Authority Central Authority Regional Authority

Chosen by majority of the members of Parliament PRESIDENTIAL PARLIAMENTARY Head of State: President Prime Minister Selection: Elected by voters Chosen by majority of the members of Parliament Separation of Powers: Divided amongst branches None Term: Fixed terms as determined by Constitution Prime minister has no fixed term Removal: Impeachment Prime minister can be removed by vote of Parliament; PM can dissolve Parliament and call for another election

Beliefs on obtaining power: SOCIALISM COMMUNISM Beliefs on obtaining power: Introduced gradually by electing socialist governments Can only be achieved by violent revolutions Economic Policies: Gov’t ownership of transportation, energy, and other key industries, but kept private property and free enterprise Rid of private ownership; gov’t plans the use of all resources Actions in power: Established state-owned industries and welfare states; offered public services such as free healthcare, but taxes were incredibly high to offset costs Established dictatorships; opponents were imprisoned or killed; free thought not allowed