Types of Government
Democracy Who has the power? the people, or citizens of that country How do they get power? Themselves What rights do citizens have? Right to vote for representatives, right to free speech, freedom of religion, right to run for office Countries United States Canada Norway Iceland
Dictatorship Who has the power? one person has all the power, dictator How do they get power? dictator takes power by force, often by manipulating the people, or by military What rights do citizens have? Citizens have little to no rights; Opposing the dictator means punishment, or even execution Countries Zimbabwe Uzbekistan North Korea Afghanistan
Monarchy Who has the power? king or queen, emperor, tsar, pharaoh, etc. Royalty How do they get power? ruler chosen based on birth and heredity, born into power. Royal bloodline or family What rights do citizens have? Rights given by the ruler (Absolute Monarchy) or by laws (Constitutional Monarchy) Countries United Kingdom Australia New Zealand
Theocracy Who has the power? religious leaders, such as priests or the head of a temple How do they get power? religious leaders believe that they were given power and laws by a god (Divine Authority), then they enforce religious laws within the government What rights do citizens have? Ordinary citizens’ rights are very limited and are determined by religious teachings Countries Vatican City (Italy) Saudi Arabia Yemen