Governmental Structures Social Studies: Civics

Anarchy Absence of Government. Example: Spain in 1936

Monarchy Single Ruler exercises supreme power based on heredity or divine right. Example: Saudi Arabia “The king has ultimate power but seeks advice and support from the royal family, religious leaders and other important members of society.”

Religious leaders exercise supreme power based on religious beliefs Theocracy Religious leaders exercise supreme power based on religious beliefs Example: Iran

Military leaders exercise supreme power Military Junta Military leaders exercise supreme power Example: Burma (Myanmar) A military cout de’tat took place in 1962. The military controlled the state which changed its name to Myanmar in 1989 ( the US does not recognize the legitimacy of the junta and refers to the country as Burma)

A small group of wealthy citizens exercise supreme power Aristocracy A small group of wealthy citizens exercise supreme power Example: Tonga

Totalitarian Dictatorship one-party rule, censorship, and the use of terror to maintain power Example: North Korea

Fascism A government where the nation comes before the individual. Most of the power is focused on the government, and usually one leader. Strict laws and punishments exist. Example: Italy (1922-1943)

CommunisM Example: Cuba The communist party exercises supreme power, including complete control of the economy Fidel Castro took control in 1959 and established relationship with Soviet Union (Russia) Example: Cuba

There is public ownership of farms and factories, no social classes SocialisM There is public ownership of farms and factories, no social classes Example: Vietnam

Citizens exercise supreme power, either directly or indirectly Democracy Citizens exercise supreme power, either directly or indirectly Example: India Voting age 18 Largest democracy in the world

Constitutional republic Citizens elect leaders whose powers are defined in a constitution Example: United States