Types of Government

Monarchy Definition – Form of government where sovereignty is to an individual ruler. Typically, rule of a monarchy transfers through a royal family or bloodline. Absolute Monarch vs. Constitutional Monarch Most monarchies have been replaced with other forms of government since WWII.

Strengths Quick, clear and easy to understand who is in charge.

Weaknesses Power corrupts. Sometimes the royal family are not the best suited to be rulers.

Democracy Definition – Form of government in which all citizens participate equally. First used by the Greeks. Means “ruled by the people.” Citizens vote on every decision. Depending on the location, either a unanimous vote or a majority ruling is needed to make or change a rule or law.

Strengths Everyone gets a say in making decisions.

Weaknesses The mob rules.

Republic Definition – Form of government where affairs of the state are a public matter. Leaders are elected to represent the needs of society at large. People elect their representatives. This is the system of government in the United States.

Strengths Everyone has a say in who the leaders are.

Weaknesses It doesn’t always represent the people who voted them in. The majority can often overwhelm the minority.

Oligarchy Definition – Form of government that has the power residing in a small group of people who are appointed by merit to rule. Typically the group has specific distinguishing characteristics – wealth, military strength, education, etc. Often passed on through families, but that is not necessarily always the case. Early forms of the Greek Senate.

Strengths Are often able to make the best decisions for the masses.

Weaknesses Because power lies in a small group of (usually) similar people, they might favor some who share similar circumstances.

Theocracy Definition - Form of government where God rules – either directly or through his chosen leader. Examples include – Moses - Hebrews Muhammad - Muslims Brigham Young – LDS State of Deseret Laws and the right to rule are proclaimed to be divine revelation from God.

Strengths God chooses the leader who has perfect decisions.

Weaknesses Someone could lie and say that God is in power and/or has appointed them to rule for Him.

Communism Definition – Form of government where the government owns and controls all things. All citizens are considered “equal” using a common ownership structure that intends to eliminate the need for money and economic classes. Everyone has the exact same amount as everyone else.

Strengths Everyone has the same amount as each other. Everyone is treated “equally” in all things.

Weaknesses It can’t work because people are different and won’t be the exact same as each other. It is easy to be corrupted by power and wealth. Poverty is often a result of communist ideals.

Socialism Definition – Form of government similar to communism except that the government only owns and controls some things instead of all things. Current form of government for China and North Korea Socialistic ideals include – free education, work programs, food programs, etc.

Strengths Everyone has equal access to some things.

Weaknesses If all people have the same access to resources, it promotes laziness.

Anarchy Definition – Anarchy is the term used to describe a society that has no form of government. Lawlessness Example of anarchy would be the “Anything goes” attitude of the Wild West. No rules to abide by.

Strengths There’s no rules. You can do whatever you want to.

Weaknesses No freedom. Anyone can do whatever they want to you.