1. Forms of Government

2. What is government? Power and authority to rule a country. Makes laws, keeps order, & provides services.

3. How to describe government? No one term accurately describes a society’s government. We typically describe government by describing –What kind of economic system –What kind of political system –Who has the authority?

4. What is Economy Provides the goods and services that are bought, sold, and used.

5. Capitalism In a capitalist or free-market economy, people own their own businesses and property and must buy services for private use. Example=paying for healthcare

6. Socialism Socialist governments own many of the larger industries and provide education, health and welfare services while allowing citizens some economic choices. Example=healthcare paid by government, Norway or Sweden

7. Communism In a communist country, the government owns all businesses and farms and provides its people’s healthcare, education, and welfare. Example=Cuba, North Korea, former Soviet Union

8. What are political systems? Political systems=how the government is run.

9. Dictatorship Rule by a single leader who has not been elected and may use force to keep control. –Military dictatorship=army in control. –Little or no attention to public opinion.

10. Totalitarian Rule by a single political party. –People are forced to do what the government tells them. –Little or no personal freedom

11. Theocracy Form of government where the rulers claim to be ruling on behalf of a set of religious ideas, or as direct agents of a deity. Iran is a theocracy

12. Monarchy A monarchy has a king, or queen, who sometimes has absolute power. –Power is passed through the family

13. Parliamentary A parliamentary system is led by representatives of the people. –Each is chosen as a member of a political party and remains in power as long as their party does.

14. Republic A republic is led by representatives of the voters. –Each is individually chosen for a set period of time.

15. Anarchy Anarchy is a situation where there is no government. –Can happen after a civil war or where the government is ineffective due to civil unrest.

16. Authority Who picks the government?

17. Revolutionary The existing government is overthrown by a completely new group. –New group can be large or small

18. Totalitarian Rule by a single political party. Votes for alternative candidates are simply not allowed.

19. Oligarchy A form of government which consists of rule by an elite group who rule in their own interests. –Only certain members of society have a real voice in government –Usually limited to economic, religious reasons, or family rule.

20. Democracy The government is elected by the people. –Everyone who is eligible to vote, can. –Direct democracy=Everyone is involved in all decision making. –Indirect democracy (representative)=people elect representatives to take care of the day to day business of government