Form of government where the ruler has complete authority over the government and the lives of the people he or she governs

Unrestricted Power Gain power through heredity or marriage “Divine Right of Kings” Positives? Negatives?

King Mswati III, Swaziland

King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia

a monarchy governed according to a constitution that limits and defines the powers of the monarch

Limited Power Today most monarchs give up power, position is title only Pros: Govern by rules, not personal feelings Cons: Irrelevant Expensive

King Abdullah II, Jordan

Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Al Salim Al Sabah, Kuwait

Form of government in which the party with the greatest representation in the parliament (legislature) forms the government, its leader becoming prime minister or chancellor. The parties in the minority serve in opposition to the majority and have the duty to challenge it regularly. The prime minister may be removed from power whenever he loses the confidence of a majority of the ruling party or of the parliament

Members of Parliament elected to serve a certain period of time Early Elections Possible Need majority to stay in power Pros: Avoid legislative gridlock Accountability Easily Replaceable Cons: Easily Replaceable

India

Japan

A system of government where an executive branch is led by a president who is often elected by the people. This branch exists separately from the legislature.

Direct Elections, President elected by people Checks & Balances: President and legislature work separate from each other President and Legislature serve fixed terms Pros: People decide Checks & Balances Stability Cons Gridlock

United States

South Africa

The form of government in which absolute power is exercised by a single person/dictator.

Dictator holds unlimited power Censorship One-party rule Pros: Actions easily taken Cons: Oppressive Strict rules, little freedom

North Korea

Form of government in which the official policy is to be governed by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided Government guided by specific religion

“Rule of God” "God” himself is recognized as the head of the state Hierarchy of the government identical with the administrative hierarchy of the religion or…. Government hierarchy subordinate to the religious hierarchy

Iran