Types of Governments Chapter 1 Section 3

Major Types of Governments Autocracy – rule by one person Oligarchy – rule by few persons Democracy – rule by many persons

Autocracy Autocracy – system of government in which one person has all the authority and power to rule (Russian czars), power inherited or taken by force. No way to keep the power in check. Monarchy – government in which one person has all the power (king/queen), had inherited and limited power. Power originated in religion.

Autocracy Dictatorship – single ruler, rules by force and by dictate (command) alone. No support for power in custom or religion. Totalitarian – attempts to control all of society

Oligarchy Oligarchy – system of government in which a small group holds power. Power derived from wealth, social position, military power or combination of all three. May hold elections, but one one name on ballot Often suppress opposition

Democracy Democracy – government ruled by the people Republic – voters elect representatives to run the government, only a small percent of the population may be able to vote

Characteristics of Democracy Individual liberty – people are as free as possible to develop talents Majority Rule with Minority Rights – the majority make the laws, with respect to the rights of the minority

Characteristics of Democracy Free elections – everyone’s vote is equal, all candidates can freely express ideas, citizens are free to help candidates, minimal legal requirements to vote Competing political parties – offers voters a choice

Essential Elements for Democracy Citizen Participation – citizens need to participate in civic life A Favorable Economy – signaled by a large middle class Widespread Education – the more education the better the government

Essential Elements for Democracy A Strong Civil Society – the more private citizens involved, the better the government Social Consensus – people agree about the scope and limits of government