1. Forms of Government
GOVT 2305, Module 1

2. Democracy
A democracy is a system of self-government by the people; rule by the many.

3. The United States
The United States is a democracy.

4. Authoritarian Government
An authoritarian government is a political system in which political authority is concentrated in one person or a small group.
A monarchy, for example, is rule by an individual who achieves power through inheritance.
An oligarchy is rule by the few.

5. Saudi Arabia is a Monarchy
Born 1935
King Salman is the ruler of Saudi Arabia. He rules by decree although in practice major decisions reflect a consensus of the royal family. Salman has appointed a nephew as crown prince.
King Salman of Saudi Arabia

6. Cuba is Authoritarian Who are these guys?
The Castro brothers have ruled Cuba since the early 1960s.

7. Iran is Authoritarian
Political power in Iran is held by a group of religious leaders.

8. Comparing Systems
Democracy
Authoritarian Rule
Leaders are chosen in competitive elections and must stand periodically for reelection.
Except for a monarchy where rulers gain power through inheritance, authoritarian rulers achieve power through force and use force to hold power as long as they can.

9. Comparing Systems
Democracy
Authoritarian Rule
Leaders have an incentive to do their best to provide quality services to the people because they must stand periodically for reelection.
Leaders use force to suppress political opponents and hold onto power.

10. Comparing Systems Freedom of speech Freedom of the press
Democracy
Authoritarian Rule
Freedom of speech
Freedom of the press
Freedom of assembly
Freedom of religion
Freedom of movement
More than one political party
No freedom of speech, press, assembly, religion, or movement
Only one political party is allowed

11. Is Donald Trump Authoritarian?
Threatens to jail political opponents
Threatens physical violence against critics
Questions the integrity of a federal judge based solely on his ethnicity
Promises to exclude people from the country based on their religion
Calls for police surveillance of houses of worship
Threatens legal action against the press for publishing critical stories

12. Democracy Around the World
Darker shades of green = full democracies
Light shades of green = flawed democracies
Yellow and orange = hybrid systems
Shades of red = authoritarian systems

13. Democracy v. Authoritarianism
Which form of government can make decisions more efficiently?
Which form of government more effectively handles the problem of changing leaders when current leaders die or retire?
Which form of government more effectively represents the interests of diverse groups in society?
How does each form of government handle dissent?
authoritarian
democracy
democracy
Democracy embraces dissent; authoritarian governments suppress dissent.

14. Problems with Democracy
Tyranny of the majority—the majority may vote to take away the rights and liberties of the minority.
Democracies may become bankrupt because the voters will demand more services than they are willing to pay for in taxes.
Voters may lack the information necessary to make informed electoral decisions.
Voters may elect leaders who undermine democracy.

15. Winston Churchill on Democracy

16. What You Have Learned What is a democracy?
What is an authoritarian government? What are monarchies and oligarchies?
What is the difference between democracy and authoritarian rule?
What are the advantages/disadvantages of each form of government?