1. Types of Government

2. Types Anarchy Constitutional Monarchy Absolute Monarchy Dictatorship
Parliamentary Democracy
Presidential Democracy
Theocracy
Oligarchy
Republic
Communism

3. Anarchy An apparent absence of laws and restrictions
A lack of government
Typically occurs during transition phases of government
Pro- Each individual has absolute power
Con- Each individual has absolute power

4. Absolute Monarchy
A king/queen has total power over every aspect of the country
Pro- Ruler can easily make decisions and changes for the benefit of the country
Con- A weak or unjust ruler can create many problems for the country

5. Constitutional Monarchy
Government with shared power between a king/queen and a legislative body
Can be one-sided with the monarch or the legislature having more power
Sometimes the monarch just serves as a figurehead
Pro- Not all of the power is in one person’s hands

6. Dictatorship Absolute power in the hands of one person or group
Usually backed by the force of a military
Pro- Often occurs during times of crisis for a country and brings stability
Con- a ruthless dictator can lead to massive loss of life and destruction

7. Parliamentary Democracy
Rule of people with their power given to an elected executive and an elected/appointed legislative body
There is no clear separation of powers between the two groups
Pro- When the legislature and executive work together good things happen
Con- Disputes between the groups can grind government to a halt

8. Presidential Democracy
Rule of the people that contains separation between executive, legislative, and judicial branches
Government type that we have in the United States
Pros- Individual branches keep each of the other branches from becoming too powerful
Cons- If the branches do not cooperate, the governmental action can stop or good laws may be stopped out of spite

9. Theocracy Rule by a religious faction or religious leader
Typically occurs in states with an official religion
Can still have a legislative branch, but it would be controlled by the religious group
Pro- Government has massive support by its residents because they believe in that faith
Con- Religious decisions may affect decisions that would better help the country and the people in it

10. Oligarchy Power resides within a very small elite group of individuals
Usually specified by royalty, wealth, or family lines
Pro- One person cannot be influenced to make changes within government
Con- Group in power usually tries harder to stay in power than to actually help the country

11. Republic Rule by the people in which there isn’t an executive
The people have all of the power
Pro- People have the power to control every aspect of government
Con- The majority group can make decisions that will adversely affect minorities

12. Communism
Government has total control over all factors of production (land, labor, and capital)
Goal is to create a classless society where everyone is treated equally
Pro- If it works, all people would have the same opportunities
Con- People have no say in anything