The Types of Governments

Dictatorship One-person rule. Ruler has total control. Absolute monarchs are also dictatorships. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. People may be united in their loyalty to a dictator since there is no competition for trust and affection. 2. In an emergency, a dictator can move quickly to take action. No time is lost in debate or discussion. 1. People are afforded little or no individual liberty. Civil rights are trampled on. 2. A dictator’s policies suit his/her own needs. Needs of the people may be neglected. 3. Decision making has a narrow base - can be flawed, wrong, dangerous, and not fully supported by the people.

Examples of Dictatorship Kim Jong Un of North Korea Fidel Castro of Cuba Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (Currently Democratic Republic of the Congo Ferdinand Marcos, the dictator of the Philippines

Democracy Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit, [13] Countries that are more red are authoritarian, and most often dictatorships. Most current dictatorships are in Africa and Asia. Democracy Index

Direct Democracy Government in which all citizens have equal power in decision making. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Every citizen has equal power in matters of government. Every citizen is involved in the decision making. 2. Since all citizens are involved in decision making, there is a broad base of support and loyalty. 3. Individual liberties are protected. 1. Only works when a small number of people are involved. Ability to gather all citizens in one place is necessary. 2. Decision making involving all citizens is time- consuming. All citizens give in-put, debate, etc...

Representative Democracy Government in which people elect representatives who hold the decision making power. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Citizens are involved in decision making through their representatives, lobbying, and voting. 2. Representatives are aware their job depends on meeting the needs of their constituents. 3. More likely that all elements of the population are represented. 4. Generally, reps are educated and more-capable citizens who can devote time needed to solve complex problems. 1. Decision making is time consuming. Desire of representatives to please everyone may cripple system. 2. Representatives may not always agree with those they represent. 3. Lack of involved citizenry may allow special interest groups to influence or dominate representatives.

Representative Democracy Two Types Presidential Democracy Parliamentary Democracy Citizens elect both the executive and legislative branches. Citizens elect the legislative branch, and the legislative branch elects the executive branch

Representative Democracy Examples Presidential Democracy Parliamentary Democracy Executive = President = Barack Obama Legislative = Congress United States of America Executive = Prime Minister = David Cameron Legislative = Parliament Great Britain

Monarchy Government in which a single person called a king or monarch holds the decision making power. ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Defined succession of power 2. Greater ability to create or adapt to new circumstances. 3. Possesses more effective means of communication and better military technology 4. Monarch is a symbol of identification for all citizens; as head of state he not only represents politics but also culture and tradition. 1. In certain monarchies, people are afforded little or no individual liberty. 2. Leadership is based on heredity instead of ability 3. Decision making is made in the interest of the monarchy not generally in the interest of the people.

Examples of Monarchies King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain Absolute Constitutional

Comparison of Monarchies Power is inherited Absolute Constitutional Similarities Power is inherited Power is unlimited; Absolute power Power is limited by Parliament Differences

Theocracy Theocracy is a form of government in which a god or deity is recognized as the state's supreme civil ruler, or in a broader sense, a form of government in where there is NO separation of church and state ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES 1. Decisions can be made relatively quickly. 2. Continuity between church and state. 1. Power is control by a few religions leaders. 2. No religious freedom for citizens.

Examples of Theocracy Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of Iran Pope Benedict of Vatican City