Forms of Government Chapter 1 Section 2

The Classic Forms of Government Monarchy (i.e. Jordan, Saudi Arabia) Ruled by a monarch, usually a king or queen, who belongs to a royal family. Their power is inherited. Absolute monarchs have unlimited power. Constitutional Monarchy (i.e. United Kingdom) Based on the idea that there are limits to the rightful power of a government over its citizens. Power of the monarch is limited by law; the real power lies in another branch of government. May coexist with other forms of government, such as representative democracy

The Classic Forms of Government Dictatorship (i.e. Cuba) Single dictator or small groups holds absolute authority and makes all the decisions Violence and force are used to maintain rule. Totalitarian Regimes (i.e. North Korea) Dictator holds ultimate authority. Government tightly controls all aspects of life – political, social, and economic. No formal or informal limits on government. Oligarchy / Aristocracy (i.e. Ancient Sparta) Small group of powerful people make most government decisions for their own benefit. Membership in the ruling group may be based on wealth, family, or military power.

The Classic Forms of Government Theocracy (i.e. Iran) Rulers claim to represent and be directed by a set of religious ideas. Laws are rooted in a particular religion or religious doctrine. Government power is limited.

The Classic Forms of Government Direct Democracy (i.e. Ancient Athens) Government by the people, citizens are the ultimate source of government authority. Citizens come together to discuss and pass laws and select leaders. Works best in small communities. Republic / Representative Democracy (i.e. Rome and U.S.) Government by the people; citizens are the ultimate source of government authority. Indirect form of democracy; citizens elect representatives to make government decisions on their behalf. Representatives elected for set terms.

Organizing National Power Unitary Systems (Japan, United Kingdom, and France) Sovereignty or ultimate authority rests in a single, national government. Local levels of government may be active and important agencies of rule, but national government has ultimate authority. Has the power to change or abolish local governments. Federal Systems (U.S.) Divides power over people and territory between a national government and smaller, regional levels of government. Largely an American invention – based on balancing national powers and state’s rights. American federalism gives each level the power to act independently of the other, and neither can abolish or reorganize the other level at will.

Organizing National Power Confederal Systems (Confederate States of America, European Union) Independent states join forces by forming a government, called a confederation. The states keep full over their own territories and people, and delegate limited powers to a central government to pursue common interests. Today confederations are rare.

Presidents and Parliaments Presidential System Distinguished by having a president that is elected by the people for a limited term in office. Performs: Symbolic duties of a head of state. In charge of the executive branch. Oversees state bureaucracies, executes policies, and serves as the head of the armed forces. Key feature is that the President’s power are balanced by a legislature. Drawback is that government can become stagnate.

Presidents and Parliaments Parliamentary System Is a combination of the executive and legislative branches of government. Parliamentary systems have a prime minister who is chosen by the legislative body. Prime minister is elected from the majority party of the legislative body. Advantages of a parliamentary system is that is easier to pass laws. Others would argue that prime ministers are not directly elected by people or take a stand against parliament.