“Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others”
What is the best form of government? No two governments are alike ◦ Arise out of particular needs
1. Who can participate in governing process 2. Geographic distribution of governmental power within the state 3. Relationship between legislative and executive branch
One of the most important classifications Lets consider two basic forms ◦ Democracies ◦ Dictatorships
Can be direct or indirect ◦ Direct: will of people translates into public policy New England town meetings Does not exist on National level anywhere ◦ Indirect: Group of people chosen by population express the popular will Representative democracy, Republic America, Ancient Rome
Americans use term democracy, republic, representative democracy, and republican form of government interchangeably. Each of the above are a different form of government In democracy bottom line is that the people are sovereign
Rulers not held responsible to will of the people Oldest form of government in the world Can be an autocracy, or an oligarchy
Autocracy ◦ Single person holds unlimited political power Oligarchy ◦ Political power held by small elite group All are authoritarian ◦ Absolute power over the people ◦ Totalitarian: complete power over human affairs
Militaristic in general ◦ Usually gain control through force Illusion ◦ Often hold elections ◦ Multiple government bodies
Power to govern is located in multiple places Three basic models ◦ Unitary ◦ Federal ◦ Confederate
Centralized government Central government creates local units British government is perfect example ◦ Parliament holds the power Creates smaller government organizations to help
Powers divided between central and local governments Authority superior to both governments creates the division of powers Modern US, Australia, Canada, Mexico, etc
Alliance of independent states Central government has limited power Allows states to maintain identity but come together for common good EU is best modern example. CSA, Iroquois
Another way to examine roles of government Presidential and Parliamentary
Executive and legislative separate and coequal Have separate powers over one another Invented by the US
Executive is prime minister and that officials cabinet PM and cabinet are part of legislator PM is chosen by most powerful group of parliament ◦ Executive is part of legislator and under its control
PM only keeps control with confidence of parliament ◦ Vote of no confidence ◦ Can remove PM or reset all of parliament Parliament can avoid deadlock with this structure ◦ Checks and balances non existent