Forms of Government GOVT 2305, Module 1

Democracy A democracy is a system of self-government by the people; rule by the many.

The United States The United States is a democracy.

Authoritarian Government An authoritarian government is a political system in which political authority is concentrated in one person or a small group. A monarchy, for example, is rule by an individual who achieves power through inheritance. An oligarchy is rule by the few.

Saudi Arabia is a Monarchy Born 1935 King Salman is the ruler of Saudi Arabia. He rules by decree although in practice major decisions reflect a consensus of the royal family. Salman has appointed a nephew as crown prince. King Salman of Saudi Arabia

Cuba is Authoritarian Who are these guys? The Castro brothers have ruled Cuba since the early 1960s.

Iran is Authoritarian Political power in Iran is held by a group of religious leaders.

Comparing Systems Democracy Authoritarian Rule Leaders are chosen in competitive elections and must stand periodically for reelection. Except for a monarchy where rulers gain power through inheritance, authoritarian rulers achieve power through force and use force to hold power as long as they can.

Comparing Systems Democracy Authoritarian Rule Leaders have an incentive to do their best to provide quality services to the people because they must stand periodically for reelection. Leaders use force to suppress political opponents and hold onto power.

Comparing Systems Freedom of speech Freedom of the press Democracy Authoritarian Rule Freedom of speech Freedom of the press Freedom of assembly Freedom of religion Freedom of movement More than one political party No freedom of speech, press, assembly, religion, or movement Only one political party is allowed

Is Donald Trump Authoritarian? Threatens to jail political opponents Threatens physical violence against critics Questions the integrity of a federal judge based solely on his ethnicity Promises to exclude people from the country based on their religion Calls for police surveillance of houses of worship Threatens legal action against the press for publishing critical stories

Democracy Around the World Darker shades of green = full democracies Light shades of green = flawed democracies Yellow and orange = hybrid systems Shades of red = authoritarian systems

Democracy v. Authoritarianism Which form of government can make decisions more efficiently? Which form of government more effectively handles the problem of changing leaders when current leaders die or retire? Which form of government more effectively represents the interests of diverse groups in society? How does each form of government handle dissent? authoritarian democracy democracy Democracy embraces dissent; authoritarian governments suppress dissent.

Problems with Democracy Tyranny of the majority—the majority may vote to take away the rights and liberties of the minority. Democracies may become bankrupt because the voters will demand more services than they are willing to pay for in taxes. Voters may lack the information necessary to make informed electoral decisions. Voters may elect leaders who undermine democracy.

Winston Churchill on Democracy

What You Have Learned What is a democracy? What is an authoritarian government? What are monarchies and oligarchies? What is the difference between democracy and authoritarian rule? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each form of government?