Types of Governments

Anarchy – no government or in transition Advantages Complete freedom No political or moral authority Disadvantages No protection of those freedoms No political or moral authority Chaos

Afghanistan is an example of anarchy (transitional) as it changed from one government to another.

Republic – led by representatives chosen by the voters Advantages Leaders are chosen for a certain amount of time The people hold the power. Representatives job depends on meeting the needs of their constituents Majority of population is represented in decision making Freedoms are protected. Disadvantages Decision making takes a long time Desire of representatives to please everyone may cripple the system Representatives may not always agree with their constituents Lack of involved citizenry may allow special interest groups to influence representatives

Examples of Republics United States Mexico

Monarchy – ruled by a king or queen. Advantages Citizens hold high regard and personal affection for ruler Defined line of succession for the throne Leader is responsible for the well-being of their subjects Disadvantages Single ruler who remains in power for life Ruler may have absolute power No choice in leader No citizen participation or influence in government

Examples of Monarchies Saudi Arabia King Abdullah Monoco Prince Albert II

Theocracy – rulers claim to be ruling on behalf of a set of religious ideas. Advantages Gov’t based on high moral codes Leader believes they have divine power to rule their country Disadvantages No separation of church and state Leader may use power to control the people Can lead to radicalism

Example of Theocracy Saudi Arabia

Dictatorship – ruled by a single leader who has not been elected. Advantages Citizens are loyal since there is no competition for trust and affection. In an emergency a dictator can move quickly. No time wasted in debate or discussion. Disadvantages Leader has absolute power Laws meet the needs of the dictator, not the people May use force to keep control Very few freedoms

Examples of Dictators Cuba Fidel Castro North Korea Kim Jong-il

Totalitarian – ruled by a single political party Advantages Citizens are loyal because there is no competition for trust or affection Decisions are made and implemented swiftly Disadvantages Leader may become a dictator Leader has absolute power People are forced to do what the gov’t. tells them The people may be prevented from leaving country

Example of Totalitarianism Soviet Union Nazi Germany

Oligarchy- A government ruled by a group Advantages Multiple people make decisions Individuals can rise through party or military ranks to gain power Disadvantages Individuals have no method to change laws Participation is discouraged Group can be very authoritarian

Examples of Oligarchy China Vietnam