Forms of Governments

To study governments, geographers look at the following: Types – Who rules and what is the role of the citizen. Systems – How the power is distributed (shared) between central and regional authorities.

Types of Government are based on two key questions: Who governs? Is there just one person leading? Is there a small group of people leading? Are the people in charge? Does religion play a role in who governs? What is the citizen participation? How does the leader get his/her job? Is the role inherited? Was it taken by force? Did the people freely vote?

Autocracy Government in which unlimited power is held by one person. Generally the power to rule is inherited or is taken by military force. The citizen has little, if any, role in the government. There are two types of Autocracy.

(1) Dictatorship The leader uses force to take control of citizens Examples: Kim Jong Un of North Korea and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe

(2) Absolute Monarchy The king or queen has total control. The power is usually inherited from family members. Example: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ruled by King Abdullah

Oligarchy A government in which a small group of people have total power. The group gets their power from either military, wealth, or social status. Elections may be held but offer only one candidate. Political opposition is usually suppressed- sometimes violently. The citizen has a very limited role. Examples: Communist party of China, the Taliban in Afghanistan, or the Theocracy of Iran

(1) Theocracy Ruled by religious leaders according to religious law. Chief of State is religious leader appointed for life. Head of State is elected. Example: Iran President Ahmadinejad Ayatollah Khomeini

Democracy Government is -supreme power is vested in the people & exercised by them directly or indirectly “rule by the people”. Two types of democracy: Parliamentary Democracy – People vote for legislature and from among them they choice head of gov’t. Presidential Democracy – People elect representatives and give them the power to vote on head of gov’t. Examples: United States, Israel, Egypt, Turkey

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

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

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

(1) Parliamentary Democracy Voters elect members to the Parliament (legislature). Parliament chooses the leader. Leader is a part of the legislative branch Example: Israel, Turkey

(2) Presidential Democracy Voters elect legislators Voters elect (indirectly) the leader Leader is a part of the Executive branch Examples – US, South Korea, Kenya