WWII Political Systems

Democracy A system of government in which political control is exercised by all citizens. Government is of, by and for the people Democracy is usually associated with basic human right and individual liberty.

Constitutional Monarchy A government system in which a country, nation or empire is ruled nominally or absolutely by a hereditary king or queen. The king or queen serve as the head of state Performs ceremonial duties The head of the government is often a Parliament who choses the Prime Minister

Dictatorship A systems of government characterized by unlimited powers of one person, group or political party. Dictatorships usually limit some individual liberties.

Authoritarianism A system of government in which rule is by one or the few. A type of Dictatorship that denies political freedom.

Totalitarianism A system of government in which political control is attempted in everything from high politics to the subject’s very thoughts. It involves constant use of propaganda to brainwash citizens into total support of the leader A type of Authoritarianism. Therefore, a type of Dictatorship.

Police State A government systems where extreme control is exuded over the social, economic, and life of the people by means of a brutal and secret police force. A type of Totalitarianism Therefore, a type of Dictatorship

Fascism A government system characterized by elements of Nationalism Militarism Anti-Communism Complete rejection of Democracy The leader maintains power by suppressing opposition through terror and censorship and usually racism. A Totalitarian Dictatorship and a Police State

Nazism A government system that is a variant of Fascism. Nazism = Fascism + violent anti-Semitism + militant pan-Germanic Nationalism Anti-Communist

Communism A government and economic systems created to equalize the social conditions of life. This typically means the government is in charge of equally distributing all of the country’s wealth. All production and political decision are made by those in charge. However, in practice, political decisions are centralized under a Dictatorship that is often Totalitarian. THERE ARE MANY BRANCHES OF COMMUNISM Marxism Leninism Maoism

Marxism A political philosophy that was created by Karl Marx during the time of the Industrial Revolution Believed that there would be and should be a revolt by the working class against the ruling class. Aspects of Marxism Open and Democratic- all citizens take an active part in governing Production would be publicly owned Economic production planned and orderly Distribution of goods and services based on need not privilege