Forms of Government CHV20

What is government? Government is made up of the people and institutions put in place to run or govern a country, state, province, territory or community. The role of government is to make decisions and enforce laws for the people it is responsible for. The purpose of government is to protect its citizens and provide services.

How do governments compare? Governments around the world differ from one another and they can be compared by considering the following questions: Who has access to power? How do those leaders get to be in power? What types of rights and freedoms are given to citizens?

Dictatorship government that has seized power by force (often through military coup) power in the hands of one individual leader can make quick decisions (does not worry about being re-elected) the leader does not always act in the best interest of its’ people

Drawbacks Limited individual rights Usually dependent on support of military No debate or discussion Dependent on single individual No free press; no opposition parties People’s opinions are ignored Any laws can be created Ideas are limited to one person

Benefits Organized and controlled Efficient (sometimes ruthlessly so) No public protests, riots United (people may be loyal since there is no competition)

Examples Historical Modern North Korea Cuba Syria

Oligarchy Government by few persons These people could be distinguished by royalty, wealth, family ties, education, corporate, or military control

Drawbacks Limited access to power Limited rights for people Questionable transition of power Needs of the lower classes are often ignored Similar to dictatorship

Benefits Stable Organized Controlled decision-making can be quick in theory, intelligent people all members work together

Examples Historical Modern China (Chinese Communist Party) Venezuela Pre-1994 South Africa (Apartheid)

Representative Democracy A democracy = all citizens have access to power. Power is shared by all citizens and a majority of the population is included in political decision-making. Citizens elect people to represent them in government and make decisions on their behalf. This is called a representative democracy. Citizens may choose to run for political office. The people have protected rights and freedoms.

Drawbacks Takes more time to make decisions More costly Elected Representatives may not support/like the prime minister

Benefits Protects individual rights Input from many sources into government decisions People are the government Peoples voices are heard Elected representatives understand they need to be re-elected Diverse representatives

Examples Dark Green = Most Democratic Countries Great Britain Canada Australia