1. Types of Governments

2. Anarchy – no government or in transition
Advantages
Complete freedom
No political or moral authority
Disadvantages
No protection of those freedoms
No political or moral authority
Chaos

3. Afghanistan is an example of anarchy (transitional) as it changed from one government to another.

4. Republic – led by representatives chosen by the voters
Advantages
Leaders are chosen for a certain amount of time
The people hold the power.
Representatives job depends on meeting the needs of their constituents
Majority of population is represented in decision making
Freedoms are protected.
Disadvantages
Decision making takes a long time
Desire of representatives to please everyone may cripple the system
Representatives may not always agree with their constituents
Lack of involved citizenry may allow special interest groups to influence representatives

5. Examples of Republics
United States
Mexico

6. Monarchy – ruled by a king or queen.
Advantages
Citizens hold high regard and personal affection for ruler
Defined line of succession for the throne
Leader is responsible for the well-being of their subjects
Disadvantages
Single ruler who remains in power for life
Ruler may have absolute power
No choice in leader
No citizen participation or influence in government

7. Examples of Monarchies
Saudi Arabia
King Abdullah
Monoco
Prince Albert II

8. Theocracy – rulers claim to be ruling on behalf of a set of religious ideas.
Advantages
Gov’t based on high moral codes
Leader believes they have divine power to rule their country
Disadvantages
No separation of church and state
Leader may use power to control the people
Can lead to radicalism

9. Example of Theocracy
Saudi Arabia

10. Dictatorship – ruled by a single leader who has not been elected.
Advantages
Citizens are loyal since there is no competition for trust and affection.
In an emergency a dictator can move quickly. No time wasted in debate or discussion.
Disadvantages
Leader has absolute power
Laws meet the needs of the dictator, not the people
May use force to keep control
Very few freedoms

11. Examples of Dictators
Cuba
Fidel Castro
North Korea
Kim Jong-il

12. Totalitarian – ruled by a single political party
Advantages
Citizens are loyal because there is no competition for trust or affection
Decisions are made and implemented swiftly
Disadvantages
Leader may become a dictator
Leader has absolute power
People are forced to do what the gov’t. tells them
The people may be prevented from leaving country

13. Example of Totalitarianism
Soviet Union
Nazi Germany

14. Oligarchy- A government ruled by a group
Advantages
Multiple people make decisions
Individuals can rise through party or military ranks to gain power
Disadvantages
Individuals have no method to change laws
Participation is discouraged
Group can be very authoritarian

15. Examples of Oligarchy
China
Vietnam