Types of Governments Review

Monarchy A monarchy has a king, queen, emperor or empress. The ruling position can be passed on to the ruler ’ s heirs. In some traditional monarchies, the monarch has absolute power. But a constitutional monarchy, like the UK, also has a democratic government that overrides the monarch's control. Please see “The British Monarchy”The British Monarchy

Oligarchy A government in which a few people such as a dominant clan or clique have power. According to Princeton.edu, “A modern example of oligarchy could be seen in South Africa during the 20 th century.”Princeton.edu

Tyranny A government in which power is in the hands of one person who is not the lawful king. According to Frey, “Tyrants usually took power by force” (256). “North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, the mercurial strongman extolled at home as the ‘Dear Leader’ and reviled abroad as a tyrant, has died at 69, North Korean media reported Monday.” (Los Angeles Times, December 18, 2011)

Democracy A government in which the people or the eligible members of a society govern, typically through elected representatives.

Direct Democracy A form of government in which every citizen can vote on every issue. If they did not show up to approve laws, Assembly members were “roped into”attending meetings in Ancient Greece.

Representative Democracy A form of government in which people vote for representatives who decide issues in their name. Do you recognize these women?