Government Systems

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units. Examples: United States, Canada, Germany.

Totalitarianism

A form of government in which the state attempts to control all aspects of life, including the economy, society, and individual beliefs. Examples: Nazi Germany, Soviet Union under Stalin.

Absolute Monarchy

A system of government where the monarch holds supreme autocratic authority, principally not being restricted by either written laws or popular custom. Example: Saudi Arabia.

Dictatorship

A form of government in which a single person or a small group exercises absolute power without constitutional limitations. Examples: North Korea, Cuba.