1. Forms of Government
Chapter 1
Section 2

2. orange - parliamentary republics
green - presidential republics, executive presidency linked to a parliament
yellow - presidential republics, semi-presidential system
blue - presidential republics, full presidential system
red - parliamentary constitutional monarchies in which the monarch does not personally exercise power
magenta - constitutional monarchies in which the monarch personally exercises power, often (but not always) alongside a weak parliament
purple - absolute monarchies
brown - republics where the dominant role of a single party is codified in the constitution
beige - states where constitutional provisions for government have been suspended
grey - countries which do not fit any of the above systems

3. Greek Roots Its all Greek to me! cracy = archy = power auto = oligos =
demos =
power
rule
self
few
people

4. Glossary Terms
Monarchy- Rulers inherit their position from family. Theocracy- A system of government where people rule in the name of God. Democracy-Political power rests with the people. Totalitarianism-Government not accountable to the people. Autocracy – single person holds unlimited power. Oligarchy – power to rule is held by few.

5. Monarchy Rulers inherit their position from family.
Old vs. New Monarchy
Old- Rule by “Divine Right” w/ absolute power.
New – Constitutional Monarchy.
Constitutional Monarchy- monarch and legislative body rule.

6. Theocracy A system of government where people rule in the name of God.
No separation of church and state.
Examples: Iran, Vatican City

7. Who Can Participate Democracy Political power rests with the people
Direct – public policy directed by citizens
Pros? Cons?
Indirect – representatives for government
Reps. Responsible for public policy on behalf of constituents
“government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
- Abraham Lincoln

8. Who Can Participate Totalitarianism
Government not accountable to the people
Oldest most common form of government
Autocracy – single person holds unlimited power
Oligarchy – power to rule is held by few

9. Dictatorship All are authoritarian – unchallenged by the people
May control every aspect of your life
Votes are often taken, but usually controlled
Legislative bodies exist
Typically militaristic in nature

10. Geographic Distribution of Power

11. Geographic Distribution of Power
Unitary Government – Central government
May distribute power to local governments
Can be unitary & democratic at the same time

12. Federal Government – power is divided between a central and several local govts.
Power above both creates a division of power, that neither can change alone
US – national and state governments

13. Confederate Government – alliance of independent states
Central government has limited power
Typically only to orchestrate a defense
Allows states to keep their identity

14. Legislative and Executive Branches
Presidential Government – separate powers of executive and legislative
Independent, but coequal
Can block each other out (checks)

15. Parliamentary Government – executive is from the parliament (prime minister)
Leader of the majority party
Remain in power until they lose support of the majority of the party
Lost of confidence
Parliament may as a whole go to the voters
Helps avoid deadlock

16. Comparing Presidential and Parliamentary Systems of Government
Presidential System
Parliamentary System
Voters
Voters
British Parliament
Prime Minister Gordon Brown
U.S. House of Representatives
President Barack Obama