Types of Governments

Civics

Define the different types of governments (i.e., democracy, autocracy, oligarchy, monarchy, and dictatorship).

Democracy

The government is elected by the people(rule).

Advantages: Everyone who is eligible to vote has a chance to

have their say over who runs the country People have the right to criticize the government Freedom of Expression Protect the rights of an individual

Disadvantages: Takes time to make decisions

AuthoritarianGovernment by a single person having unlimited power and complete obedience to the ruler

AdvantagesOrganized , controlled, efficientDecisions and changes can be made quickly

DisadvantagesNo individual freedom is allowed (No protesting)Complete obedience to the leaderLeaders are often self appointed and usually cannot

be replaced

Monarchy

A government headed by a King or QueenAdvantages Organized, controlled, traditional, unifying

Disadvantages Expensive (pomp, ceremony) Chosen by birth Monarch is remote from everyday experiences

But a constitutional monarchy, like the UK, also has a democratic government that limits the monarch's control.Examples: Canada, Holland

Anarchy

Breakdown of law and order, in which the government is ineffective or non-existent

This can happen after a civil war in a country, when a government has been destroyed and rival groups are fighting to take its place.

Believe that government is a bad thing and interferes in people’s lives.

Advantage: sometimes change happens

Disadvantage: creates chaos

OligarchyA government in which a few people such as a dominant clan or clique have power.

AdvantagesStable, organized, controlled

DisadvantagesLimited access to powerLimited rights for people and individual rights

(Ex. South Africa –Apartheid)

RepublicA republic is a country that has no monarch.

Can be both Democratic (US and France) or Non-democratic (China).

Dictatorship (Totalitarism) A country ruled by a single leader or

Political party.

The leader has not been elected and

may use force to keep control.

In a military dictatorship, the army is in control.

Advantages: Decisions and Change happens quickly Organized controlled and efficient

Disadvantages: Limited access to power, rights of people and individuals

Example: Hitler’s Nazi Germany, Castro’s Cuba

CommunistThe government owns property such as businesses, farms and distribution.

It provides its people's healthcare, education and welfare.

Everyone is equal and works together to share wealth

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This form of government is elected by the people and everyone is eligible to vote.

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DemocracyHome

2

A government ruled by a king, queen, emperor or empress.

2

MonarchyHome

3

A country ruled by a single leader. The leader has not been elected and may use force to keep control.

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DictatorshipHome

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Government by a single person having unlimited power; despotism (domination through threat of punishment and violence).

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AutocracyHome

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The government owns property such as businesses and farms and provides its people's healthcare, education and welfare.

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CommunismHome

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A situation where there is no government.

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AnarchyHome

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A democratic government that limits the monarch's control.

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Constitutional MonarchyHome

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A government in which a few people such as a dominant clan or clique have power.

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OligarchyHome

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A country that has no monarch, but is headed by an elected president or official is a ________.

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RepublicHome

Resources

The Democracy Project

BBC Types of Government

World Population Under Various Governments

Dictator for A Day

Types of Governments