Forms of Governments

Systems of Government are based on one question: How is the power distributed? There are three ways governments distribute power: Unitary Confederation Federal

Unitary One central government controls everything. Power is not shared between states, counties or provinces. Examples : United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Spain

Confederation A voluntary association of independent states that agrees to follow a powerful central government. Nations can choose to follow or not follow the lead of the weak central government. Examples: European Union.

Federal Power is shared by a powerful central government. States or provinces are given considerable self rule, usually through their own legislatures. Examples: United States, Germany

Types of Government are based on one key question: Who governs and what is the citizen participation? There are three types of governments: Autocracy, Oligarchy, and Democracy

Autocracy Government in which the power to govern is held by one person. Generally the power to rule is inherited or by military force. There are three types of Autocracy.

#1 Dictatorship The leader has not been elected and uses force to control all aspects of social and economic life. Examples: Adolf Hitler in Germany and Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union

#2 Absolute Monarchy A monarchy has a king, queen, emperor or empress. The power is usually inherited or passed down from family members. The monarch has absolute power meaning they can make all decisions without consulting anyone.

#3 Constitutional Monarchy Kings, queens or emperors share power with elected legislatures. Generally the Kings are northing more than figureheads. The government is a democratic one that limits the monarchs power. Example: Great Britain

Oligarchy A government in which a few people such as a dominant clan or clique have power. The group gets their power from either military, wealth or social status. Elections may be held but offer only one candidate.

Democracy In a democracy, the government is “Rule by the people” Individual freedom and equality is valued. All candidates can express their views freely. Citizens vote by secret ballot.

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

Parliamentary Democracy The people vote for legislators The legislators choose the leader The people do not choose the leader The leader is called a Prime Minister or a Chancellor.

Presidential Democracy The People vote directly for the leader, who is the President In an election, citizens choose representatives to serve in the legislature Citizens also choose the president

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

Putting it all together…. The United Kingdom is an autocratic constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy and a unitary system. The United States is a presidential democracy with a federal system. What do those statements mean?