1. TYPES OF GOVERNMENTS

2. UNITARY All decisions are made by the central government
The decisions are applied equally across the country.
Local governing bodies simply serve as administrative arms of the central government.
Great Britain is a familiar example of a unitary government; individual British counties have little of the power commonly exercised by American states.

3. CONFEDERAL Power lies in the local entities like states
The central or national government can only do what the confederal association allows it to do.
The basic idea is the government closest to the people is the best to understand their needs.
Example – Articles of Confederation and Confederate States of America.

4. Federal
Has a strong central government and strong local (state) governments.
Has certain powers that belong to the central government, others to the local government, and some that are shared
Usually has a written document (ex. Constitution) that sets out the rights of both as well as shared
EX. U.S.A.

5. Democracy
People rule
Direct Democracy – people vote for everything: New Hampshire
Representative Democracy – people elect representatives to rule for them. (U.S.A.)

6. OLIGARCHY Rule by elite group who rule in their own interests
Only certain members of society have a valid voice in the government
Example: China

7. DICTATORSHIP One person has seized power violently
They will be the sole ruler until their death or if they’re overthrown
Examples: Stalin’s Soviet Union, Idi Amin’s Uganda

8. MONARCHY Government headed by a king or queen
Power is passed through the family
CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY
The country is ruled through elected Parliament members
Usually has a constitution
The Monarch is usually a
figurehead
Examples - England,
The Netherlands, Norway, Spain

9. ARISTROCRACY A few people rule
Rulers are usually the richest and higher class
Rule passed through the family

10. TOTALITARIANISM
Every part of an individuals’ life is controlled and watched by the government
Belief that strict order is the key to a society without chaos
Led by a leader or dictator
Examples: Stalin, Hitler,
or Sadaam Hussein

11. COMMUNISM
Government owns and runs all the businesses – has complete control
Karl Marx & Frederich Engels – The Communist Manifesto – urged the people to riot against the upper class
Examples: U.S.S.R., China, Cuba, North Korea, Laos

12. ANARCHY Total lack of government
Believe government is evil and limits individual freedoms
Example: Somalia

13. PRESIDENTIAL GOVERNMENTS
Also called a Congressional System
Has an executive branch that exists separately from the legislative branch

14. Parliamentary Government
The executive is voted on by the majority party in parliament – not the people
He/she can be removed by that party

16. Constitutions Written: Document with laws written and outlined
Example: United States, France
Unwritten: No specific document – based on written laws and common law (usage)
United Kingdom