Politics: Principles of Government

Monarchy

One person holds absolute power, offeres decisiveness and unity but often leads to tyranny

Constitutional Monarchy

Monarch Serves Symbolically, with real power held by elected bodies constrained by a constition

Aristocracy

Rule by the elite, those belived to possess wisdom, virtue, or specialized training

oligarchy

a small number of individuals or families wield disproportionate power, often based on wealth or heritage

plutocracy

wealth determines political influence. economic elites use money to gain and hold power.

timocracy

only property owners are allowed to participate in government, emphasizes merit but undermines equality

thechnocracy

ruled by experts, scientists, and economists. can lead to efficient governance, but may alienate the public

theocracy

government based on religous law. legitimacy drawn from divine authority, dissent is suppressed

stratocracy

military leadership governs the state. proioritizes order and discipline at the cost of civil liberty

anarchy

no formal government. can lead to self governance or chaos

democracy

Power rests with the people. promotes participation and fairness but may be slow and prone to majority domination