Types of Government Monarchy Definition Form of government

Types of Government

Monarchy • Definition – Form of government where sovereignty is to an individual ruler. • Typically, rule of a monarchy transfers through a royal family or bloodline. • Absolute Monarch vs. Constitutional Monarch • Most monarchies have been replaced with other forms of government since WWII.

Strengths • Quick, clear and easy to understand who is in charge.

Weaknesses • Power corrupts. • Sometimes the royal family are not the best suited to be rulers.

Democracy • Definition – Form of government in which all citizens participate equally. • First used by the Greeks. Means “ruled by the people. ” • Citizens vote on every decision. Depending on the location, either a unanimous vote or a majority ruling is needed to make or change a rule or law.

Strengths • Everyone gets a say in making decisions.

Weaknesses • The mob rules.

Republic • Definition – Form of government where affairs of the state are a public matter. Leaders are elected to represent the needs of society at large. • People elect their representatives. • This is the system of government in the United States.

Strengths • Everyone has a say in who the leaders are.

Weaknesses • It doesn’t always represent the people who voted them in. • The majority can often overwhelm the minority.

Oligarchy • Definition – Form of government that has the power residing in a small group of people who are appointed by merit to rule. • Typically the group has specific distinguishing characteristics – wealth, military strength, education, etc. • Often passed on through families, but that is not necessarily always the case. • Early forms of the Greek Senate.

Strengths • Are often able to make the best decisions for the masses.

Weaknesses • Because power lies in a small group of (usually) similar people, they might favor some who share similar circumstances.

Theocracy • Definition - Form of government where God rules – either directly or through his chosen leader. • Examples include – • Moses - Hebrews • Muhammad - Muslims • Brigham Young – LDS State of Deseret Laws and the right to rule are proclaimed to be divine revelation from God.

Strengths • God chooses the leader who has perfect decisions.

Weaknesses • Someone could lie and say that God is in power and/or has appointed them to rule for Him.

Communism • Definition – Form of government where the government owns and controls all things. • All citizens are considered “equal” using a common ownership structure that intends to eliminate the need for money and economic classes. • Everyone has the exact same amount as everyone else.

Strengths • Everyone has the same amount as each other. • Everyone is treated “equally” in all things.

Weaknesses • It can’t work because people are different and won’t be the exact same as each other. • It is easy to be corrupted by power and wealth. • Poverty is often a result of communist ideals.

Socialism • Definition – Form of government similar to communism except that the government only owns and controls some things instead of all things. • Current form of government for China and North Korea • Socialistic ideals include – free education, work programs, food programs, etc.

Strengths • Everyone has equal access to some things.

Weaknesses • If all people have the same access to resources, it promotes laziness.

Anarchy • Definition – Anarchy is the term used to describe a society that has no form of government. • Lawlessness • Example of anarchy would be the “Anything goes” attitude of the Wild West. No rules to abide by.

Strengths • There’s no rules. • You can do whatever you want to.

Weaknesses • No freedom. • Anyone can do whatever they want to you.