Forms of Governments

To study governments, geographers look at the following: Systems – How the power is distributed. Types – Who rules and who participates. Form- Limited / Unlimited Structure- Leaders role/responsibility

Systems of Government are based on one question: How is the power distributed? There are three ways governments distribute power: Unitary Confederation Federal

Unitary One central government controls everything. Power is not shared between states, counties or provinces. Examples : United Kingdom, France, the China, and N. Korea

Confederation A voluntary association of independent states that agrees to follow a weak central government. Nations can choose to follow or not follow the lead of the weak central government. Examples: Greece, Russian Federation.

Federal Power is shared by a powerful central government. States or provinces are given considerable self rule, usually through their own legislatures. Examples: United States, Germany

Types of Government are based on one key question: Who governs and what is the citizen participation? There are three types of governments: Autocracy, Oligarchy, and Democracy

Autocracy Government in which the power to govern is held by one person. Generally the power to rule is inherited or by military force. Examples: N. Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Libya.

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…

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.

Unlimited Government A government in which no limits are imposed on the ruler’s or ruling parties authority. Also known as Totalitarian.

Oligarchy A government in which a few people such as a dominant clan or clique have power. The group gets their power from either military, wealth or social status. Elections may be held but offer only one candidate. Examples: China, former Soviet Union

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.

Unlimited Government A government in which no limits are imposed on the ruler’s or ruling parties authority. Also known as Totalitarian.

Democratic Governments There are three forms of democratic governments: Direct Parliamentary Presidential Examples: India, Japan, England, USA

Democracy In a Direct Democracy, the government is “Ruled by all of the people” Individual freedom and equality is valued. Free elections are held Decisions are based on majority rule. All voters can express their views freely. Citizens vote by secret / open ballot.

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 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.

Parliamentary Democracy Prime Minister is elected by legislator There is no set term or limit on how long Prime Minister can hold office Head of the state and the chief executive are two different offices

Parliamentary Democracy Prime Minister is the chief executive and actually is in charge running the government. The President is considered the Head of State and has more of a chief diplomat role with other countries.

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

Presidential Democracy Voters elect (indirectly) the president. There is a set term on how long President can serve The President is the Chief executive and the head of the state

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

Similarities between Parliamentary and Presidential Democracy Both have a set of checks and balances Both have freedom for citizens Both allow citizens to vote for legislature representatives Both have bicameral legislature US: House of Representatives & Senate UK: House of Commons & House of Lords

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

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

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

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.