1. POLITICAL SYSTEMS

2. Absolutism (Divine Right)
Major Features or Ideas:
Gov’t is under one powerful leader
King has the right to rule because God chose them
Next ruler determined by birth in a royal family
Examples: Louis XIV (France); Peter the Great (Russia)
Effects: Enlightenment criticized this gov’t; reaction through revolutions

3. Dynasty (Mandate of Heaven)
Major Features or Ideas:
Gov’t is under one powerful leader
The dynasty (ruling family) is supported by God
Typically holds power for several hundred years
dynastic cycle is the rise & fall of the dynasty
Examples: China’s Qin & Han Dynasties
Effects: no criticism of the emperor allowed; may have grand achievements (ex. Great Wall of China)

4. Feudalism Major Features or Ideas:
After the fall of Roman Empire, system developed for protection against invaders
Land exchanged for loyalty & military support, in a rigid social structure:
King
Lords
Knights
Serfs
Examples: in Europe; also Feudal Japan
Effects: no opportunity for social advancement; serfs tied to the land

5. Democracy Major Features or Ideas:
Gov’t under control of the citizens or elected representatives (voting)
Modern democracies are based on the Enlightenment philosophers’ ideas
Examples: Greek’s direct democracy; Roman’s representative democracy; England’s parliamentary democracy
Effects: decrease in monarch power; recent mov’ts worldwide to achieve this type of gov’t

6. Totalitarianism Major Features or Ideas:
All aspects of life are under control by the strong leader
no freedoms for the people, lots of censorship & secret police
Examples: Stalin’s Russia, Hitler’s Germany
Effects: repressive gov’t; people killed if they disagree with the gov’t

7. Fascism Major Features or Ideas:
A type of totalitarianism that is imperialistic, militaristic, extremely nationalistic, & anti-communist
typically uses salutes and uniforms
Examples: Hitler’s Germany; Mussolini’s Italy
Effects: fascist aggression & expansion led to World War II

8. Theocracy Major Features or Ideas:
Gov’t under control by a religious organization or official
Examples: the Ayatollah’s Iran
Effects: strict religious law is enforced

9. Sample Multiple Choice Questions3 4 1 2