Types of Government Objective 1.08
Anarchy A state of society without government or law Political and social disorder due to the absence of government
Theocracy Form of government in which God or a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruleForm of government in which God or a deity is recognized as the supreme civil rule The God or deity’s laws are interpreted by religious authoritiesThe God or deity’s laws are interpreted by religious authorities
Aristocracy Class of persons holding exceptional rank and privileges, especially the inherited nobilityClass of persons holding exceptional rank and privileges, especially the inherited nobility Government led by the elite, or privileged upper classGovernment led by the elite, or privileged upper class
Oligarchy Form of government in which all power is vested in few persons or in a dominant class or cliqueForm of government in which all power is vested in few persons or in a dominant class or clique
Limited Monarchy Monarchy that is limited by laws and a constitutionMonarchy that is limited by laws and a constitution Great Britain todayGreat Britain today
Absolute Monarchy/Autocracy All-powerful rulerAll-powerful ruler Great Britain before the Magna Carta in 1215Great Britain before the Magna Carta in 1215
Dictatorship A country, government, or the form of government in which absolute power is exercised by a dictatorA country, government, or the form of government in which absolute power is exercised by a dictator Fidel Castro-CubaFidel Castro-Cuba
Totalitarianism Absolute control by the state or a governing branch of highly centralized institution Today: China, Cuba, and North Korea Past: Germany-Hitler, Soviet Union-Stalin, Italy-Mussolini
Democracy 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 systemForm 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 U.S. and CanadaU.S. and Canada
Republic No leaders inherit officeNo leaders inherit office Voters hold powerVoters hold power The people elect representatives and give them responsibilities and power to conduct governmentThe people elect representatives and give them responsibilities and power to conduct government Established in ancient Rome-509 B.C.Established in ancient Rome-509 B.C.
Direct Democracy All citizens participate first hand in governing Not present today-established in ancient Athens
Representative Democracy Citizens elect leaders to represent them in government U.S. today