Types of Government Study Cards

Government: The system in a society that makes and enforces laws to maintain order as well as provides services to its citizens. Nations may have more than one type of government.

Totalitarianism: A government type that has total control of the society and economy. The government regulates and controls every aspect of citizens lives by using terror, violence, and removing basic rights and freedoms of the people. Leaders may have been elected and took full control after election. *Example- Nazi Germany under Hitler

Dictatorship: A government ruled by one person with complete authority, the leader usually came into power using force. Citizens usually have no ability to vote or give consent to laws. *Example- North Korea

Democracy: A government in which the people of the country elect their leaders and rule by majority. This governments name means “rule of the people”. Citizens can also participate by, voting on laws, serving on juries and paying taxes. Two types of democracy are direct (people vote on everything) and representative (people vote for leaders to make decisions on their behalf) *Examples- USA, India

Communism: An economic and political system in which the government controls or owns all the businesses, farms, means of production, wages and prices. The theory of this government is that citizens own and share everything together and that all citizens are equal. *Examples- Cuba, Vietnam

Oligarchy: A government where an elite and/or small group rules with selfish or corrupt purposes. Leaders often gain control by wealth, family ties, military rank. Those in the group may vote for leaders but the general population has no say in the government. Oligarchy is a Greek word that means “the few that rule or command”. *Examples- Pakistan, Sparta

Monarchy: A type of government where political power is passed down (usually inherited) through the family. Leaders of monarchies include Kings/Queens, Emperors/Empresses. In an absolute monarchy the leader has total power (Ex- Saudi Arabia). In a constitutional monarchy the leader can advise the government but doesn’t have full power over decisions, citizens have some say (Ex- Great Britain)

Republic: A government where the ultimate power is with the people who can vote. Citizens elect representatives to make political decisions and use the government’s power. Republic governments rule based on their country’s charter or constitution. *Examples- United States, Turkey, Australia

Theocracy: A government ruled by religious leaders Theocracy: A government ruled by religious leaders. Leaders and government officials are often chosen by God or a higher power. Laws are typically based on religious texts and traditions. *Examples- Iran, Vatican City