Forms of Government

Define the different forms of government 1. democracy 2 .oligarchy 3 .monarchy 4. dictatorship 5. communism 6. republic 7. theocracy 8. constitutional monarchy 9. tyrant

Democracy-the government that receives its power from the people Democracy-the government that receives its power from the people. Everyone who is eligible to vote has a chance to have their say over who runs the country. A democracy is determined either directly or through elected representatives.

Oligarchy- a government in which a few people such as a clan or clique have power.

Monarchy- has a king, queen, emperor, or empress as the ruler. The ruling position can be passed on to the ruler’s heirs. In some traditional monarchies, the monarch has absolute power. But a constitutional monarchy, like the UK, also has a democratic government that limits the monarch’s control.

Dictatorship-a person who has complete control over a country’s government. The leader has not been elected and may use force to keep control. If it is a military dictatorship, the army is in control.

Communism- both an economic and political system in which property is owned collectively and labor is organized in a way that is supposed to benefit all people.

Republic- a nation in which power belongs to the citizens, who govern themselves through elected representatives.

Theocracy-a government ruled by a religious leader.

Constitutional Monarchy-a government ruled by a king or queen whose power is determined by the nation’s constitution and laws.

Tyrant- a single person who took control of the government against the wishes of the community.