Different Types of Governments EQ: What are governmental and economic systems? How are these systems impacted by geography? Different Types of Governments

Totalitarian Governments A government in which no limits are imposed on the ruler’s or ruling parties authority. Rulers’ or ruling Parties have total power.

Dictatorship ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES One-person rule. Ruler has total control. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. People are afforded little or no individual liberty. Civil rights are trampled on. 1. People may be united in their loyalty to a dictator since there is no competition for trust and affection. 2. A dictator’s policies suit his/her own needs. Needs of the people may be neglected. 2. In an emergency, a dictator can move quickly to take action. No time is lost in debate or discussion. 3. Decision making has a narrow base - can be flawed, wrong, dangerous, and not fully supported by the people.

Absolute Monarchy ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES One-person rule. King or Queen has total control. Often thought as a divine right to rule that is passed from generation to generation. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. People are often given no individual liberties or civil rights. 1. People may be united in their loyalty to a monarch since there is no competition for trust and affection. 2. A monarch’s policies suit his/her own needs. Needs of the people may be neglected. 2. In an emergency, a monarch can move quickly to take action. No time is lost in debate or discussion. 3. Decision making has a narrow base - can be flawed, wrong, dangerous. No one was willing to tell the emperor what they think of his new clothes…

Democracy A government in which everyone, including those in authority, must obey the laws.

Direct Democracy ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES Government in which all citizens have equal power in decision making. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Every citizen has equal power in matters of government. Every citizen is involved in the decision making. 1. Only works when a small number of people are involved. Ability to gather all citizens in one place is necessary. 2. Since all citizens are involved in decision making, there is a broad base of support and loyalty. 2. Decision making involving all citizens is time-consuming. All citizens give in-put, debate, etc... 3. Individual liberties are protected.

Representative Democracy REPUBLIC/ Representative Democracy Government in which people elect representatives who hold the decision making power. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Citizens are involved in decision making through their representatives, lobbying, and voting. 1. Decision making is time consuming. Desire of representatives to please everyone may cripple system. 2. Representatives are aware their job depends on meeting the needs of their constituents. 2. Representatives may not always agree with those they represent. 3. More likely that all elements of the population are represented. 3. Lack of involved citizenry may allow special interest groups to influence or dominate representatives. 4. Generally, reps are educated and more-capable citizens who can devote time needed to solve complex problems.

COMMUNISM a theory advocating elimination of private property.  a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed. Typically a one party system in which all political power rest with the party (i.e. China).

Constitutional Monarchy A government with a written plan, or constitution, that includes a monarch as a ceremonial leader and a parliament or other legislature to make the laws. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Citizens are involved in decision making through their representatives, lobbying, and voting. 1. Decision making is time consuming. Desire of representatives to please everyone may cripple system. 2. Representatives are aware their job depends on meeting the needs of their constituents. 2. Representatives may not always agree with those they represent. 3. More likely that all elements of the population are represented. 3. Lack of involved citizenry may allow special interest groups to influence or dominate representatives. 4. Monarch has almost celebrity status with the people. Are not held responsible for unpopular decisions, yet can help form public opinion

Theocracy A form of government in which God or a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler. Often religious institutional representatives (i.e.: a church), replaces or is mixed into the civilian government. Can be an Oligarchy, Representative Democracy, and even a Monarchy.

Oligarchy ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES Form of government in which the power is in the hands of a few persons or small group (who have the combined power of a dictator.) ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Decisions can be made relatively quickly. Same as Dictatorship (Needs and wants of the people are not necessarily considered.) 2. May provide expert leadership while avoiding the danger of one-person rule. 3. In theory, they are the most educated members of society. 4. Members of the oligarchy listen to each other - they work together to rule.