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 King Salman is the ruler of Saudi Arabia. He rules by decree although in practice major decisions traditionally reflect a consensus of the royal family. Salman, who is 82, has appointed a 35-year old nephew, Mohammad bin Salman Al Salud (AKA MBS), as crown prince. MBS is consolidating power in his hands. Mohammad bin Salman of Saudi Arabia Why is MBS in the news?

He ordered the murder and dismemberment of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi because he wrote essays critical of MBS.

Cuba is Authoritarian Who are these guys? The Castro brothers ruled Cuba from the early 1960s until 2018. Fidel Castro, on the right, died in 2016. Raul Castro, born in 1931, was president of Cuba until April 2018 when he turned power over to a chosen successor.

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

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

Democracies Under Attack Several countries that were once democracies have turned increasingly authoritarian, including Russia, Hungary, Turkey, and Venezuela. These countries still hold elections, but election rules have been changed to ensure that the governing party always wins. The government is working to discredit critics and undermine news media outlets that don’t favor the government. Turkey Hungary Russia Venezuela

American Democracy Under Attack Many observers believe that American democracy is in grave danger. Russia interfered with the 2016 presidential election to help Donald Trump and hurt Hillary Clinton. The Russian government hacked into the computer systems of the Democratic Party and the Clinton campaign. They released embarrassing e-mail messages to Wikileaks who published them.

The Russians employed a sophisticated social media campaign to increase support for Trump, undermine Clinton, and discourage groups that normally vote Democratic, including African Americans and members of the LBGTQ community, from casting ballots.

Republican legislatures and governors in a number of states have adopted election rules and procedures to make it difficult for Democratic supporters to cast ballots and to ensure that Republicans hold onto power even if the Democrats get the most votes. If Democrats win anyway, outgoing Republican governors and legislatures have changed laws to reduce the power of the incoming Democratic officeholders. This has happened in North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

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? Why do many observers believe that American democracy is in trouble?