Types of Government FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIAL STUDIES

Government The system of rules over a country’s citizens Necessary to have a structured and civilized society Anarchy-no government at all-not a type of government ◦Leads to someone taking power and forming government Most governments are a combination of two or more types

Authoritarian Imposes authority on people Little freedom or rights Strong leader using force or intimidation to maintain control No government claims authoritarian-however ◦Kazakhstan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan are authoritarian

Communist Government controls and manages the economy Single authoritarian political party holds power Controls property distribution of goods and services to give all an equal share In practice inequality occurs and citizens are powerless to improve the situation ◦China, N. Korea, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos

Constitutional Governments power is described by a document Limits government power, gives rights to people, explains fundamental laws to be followed Most constitutional countries are also categorized by another government type too ◦United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, United States

Democracy People have ultimate power exercised through voting Pure democracy=people vote on EVERYTHING i.e. religion, government, economy, education Not practical Citizens who elect representatives and rely on officials to run the government=representative democracy-true democracy does not exist

Dictatorship Single person or group has unlimited power Not bound by a constitution or law No free vote ◦N. Korea, Belarus

Federation Government power divided by a constitution Split between a central/federal government and the countries regions ◦States, district, provinces, territories Federal laws influence the regions and citizens United States, Brazil, Mexico, Russia

Monarchy Authority given to one person Gained power by birth/reigns until death Replaced by heirs-sons or daughters usually ◦Oman, Saudi Arabia, Swaziland Most monarchies combine with a constitutional government

Republic People represented by politicians who vote on laws People don’t vote on EVERYTHING directly Majority of the world believes themselves to be republics ◦United States, France, Russia, Mexico

Socialism Controls the planning, producing, and distribution of goods Aims to equally distribute goods and labor among citizens Differs from communism because there is not one ruler or ruling party No true socialists, only countries with socialize programs like health care and education ◦European nations

Theocracy Deity or God is recognized as the supreme civil ruler and leader Government is subject to religious laws Interpreted by spiritual leaders believed to be in direct communication with God ◦Vatican City and The Pope ◦Saudi Arabia and Iran are sometimes called theocracies leaders are not Islamic authorities, but Islamic rules are a part of government

Totalitarian Government has total control over its people Controls economics, policies, beliefs, attitudes, and values Use force and intimidation to control Propaganda, media control, censorship ◦N. Korea