Some Types of Governments Anarchy Rule by individual responsibility. Anarchy is a situation where there is no government. This can happen after a civil war when a government has been destroyed and rival groups are fighting to take its place. No one is in charge. Anarchists are people who believe that government is a bad thing. Anarchists believe that government stops people organizing their own lives.

Some Types of Governments Aristocracy An aristocracy is rule by the aristocrats who gain power by hereditary. Aristocrats are typically wealthy, educated people. Today, typically, the term "aristocracy" is used negatively to accuse a republic of being dominated by rich people, such as saying, "The United States has become an aristocracy."

Some Types of Governments Capitalist Capitalism is “free-market economy.” In a free-market country, people can own their own businesses and property. People can also buy services such as healthcare. NOTE: Most capitalist governments provide some degree of services such as education, health and welfare.

Some Types of Governments Communism Technically, communism is an economic system and NOT a political process. In a communist country, the economy is centrally controlled, the state owns ALL industrial activity, and the state provides ALL services to all citizens. Cuba is a communist country.

Some Types of Governments Democracy Rule by the people. In a democracy, the government is elected by the people in a fair and competitive election AND the citizens have basic rights and freedoms. Since citizens are involved in the decision-making, there is a sense of control and support. Decision-making can be costly and time consuming if all citizen’s input is considered.

Some Types of Governments Dictatorship This is a country ruled by a single leader (i.e., one person rule). The leader has not been elected, controls or rules everything, and may use force to keep control. In a military dictatorship, the army is in control Citizens have no or little input to decisions, and they have very limited rights. Thus, the needs of the citizens may be neglected. Fidel Castro in Cuba is a dictatorship.

Some Types of Governments Federal Government In a federal government system, a central government shares power with a number of small local governments. Canada has a federal government.

Some Types of Governments Monarchy A monarchy has a king or queen. In traditional monarchies, the monarch has absolute power. In a constitutional monarchy, like the United Kingdom and Canada, a democratic government limits the monarch's control.

Some Types of Governments Oligarchy A small group controls power. While the needs of the citizens may not be considered in a decision, the process ensures a decision may be made quickly.

Some Types of Governments Republic A republic is a country that does not have a monarch. The head of the country is usually an elected president.

Some Types of Governments Revolutionary Government If a government is overthrown by force, the new ruling group is sometimes called a revolutionary government.

Some Types of Governments Socialist State The state owns and controls most activities for the equal good of all people. The state owns SOME industries and provides MOST services, but citizens have some economic choice. Norway is a socialist government.

Some Types of Governments Theocracy A government ruled by or subject to religious authority. Iran and Taliban-ruled Afghanistan would be a theocracy.

Some Types of Governments Transitional A country that is changing from one type of government to another has a transitional government. For example, a dictatorship may turn into a democracy after the dictator dies. NOTE: The change between governments can take several years.