Isms and Acies World Ideologies

Autocracy Government in which one person has uncontrolled or unlimited authority over others Ruled by a leader called an autocrat Limited power for the people

Monarchy a state or nation in which the supreme power is lodged into a monarch and his/her family Think kings and queens Power is passed down from generation to generation

Oligarchy a form of government in which all power is vested in a few persons or in a dominant class; government by the few. Often times power is appointed by a leader, not earned or voted upon

Democracy government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system. In its purest form, the people make all decisions for the country

Aristocracy a class of persons holding exceptional rank and privileges, especially the upper class Often inherit power based on their money and social class

Anarchy a state of society without government or law. Usually leads to political, social, and economic disorder

Republic a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them. Form of government when a country is too big for pure democracy

Federalism A system of government in which power is divided between a national(federal) government and various regional governments.

Theocracy a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god. Religion is more important than anything else

Secularism the belief that important public matters should be conducted without the introduction of a religious element Separation of church and state

Capitalism an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations Limited government involvement If you are good, you will make more money

Communism a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being given to the community as a whole or to the state.

Socialism a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting ofthe ownership and control of the means of production and distribution,of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole. The government assists private organizations, utilizes taxes, and regulates what is done for the good of the whole

Fascism a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism. Leader uses a select few to enforce beliefs