AP GOV: Forms of Gov

Anarchy

A political system where there is no governing authority or central rule, resulting in a state of disorder and lawlessness. There are no restrictions on ruler’s power (Lack of government)

Constitutional Monarchy (Autocracy)

A form of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government. The monarch's powers are limited by law, and they often act as ceremonial figureheads while elected representatives govern.

Dictatorship (Autocracy)

A form of government where a single ruler or party holds absolute power, often without legal limitations or democratic processes. Decisions are made by the dictator, who maintains control through force, propaganda, or repression of dissent.

Absolute Monarchy (Autocracy)

A form of government in which a single monarch possesses complete and unchallenged power over the state and its government, with little or no legal limits on their authority.

Oligarchy

A form of government in which a small group of people hold all the power, often based on wealth, family ties, corporate, or military control, making decisions that benefit their interests over the general populace.

Aristocracy

Rule by the elite, usually determined by social status or wealth

Theocracy

A form of government in which religious leaders control the government, and the state recognizes a divine authority as the source of law.

Democracy

A form of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

Direct Democracy

A type of democracy where citizens directly participate in decision-making and law creation, rather than through representatives.

Representative democracy

A form of democracy where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf.