Types of Government

political and economic ideologies

communism

based off of Karl Marx’s ideas

government owns all businesses and farms and provides its people healthcare, education, and welfare

• China (1949-present)

• Cuba (1959-present)

• North Korea (1948-present)

socialism

government owns many of the larger industries and provide education, health, and welfare services while allowing citizens some economic choices

• Vietnam

• Laos

• Denmark

• Finland

capitalism

people own their own businesses and property and must buy services for private use, such as healthcare

• Sudan

• Burma

• Zimbabwe

dictatorship

rule by a single leader who has not been elected and may use force to keep control

• England (1066-present)

• Russia (1679-1861)

• Japan (until 1800)

• remote areas in Asia

feudalism

peasants and vassals serve a powerful lord who protects them and takes care of their economic needs

democracy

the government is elected by the people. Everyone who is eligible to vote has a chance to have their say over who runs the country

fascism

a strong centralized government with stringent social and economic control led by a charismatic dictator and is characterized by fervent patriotism

constitutional monarchy

where a parliament (elected) and the monarch (head of state) rule together under law

oligarchy

a form of government which consists of rule by an elite group

theocracy

a form of government where the rulers claim to be ruling on behalf of a set of religious ideas

republic

led by representatives of the voters. Each is individually chosen for a set period of time

advantages of communism

embodies equality

makes healthcare and education accessible

no monopolies

advantages of socialism

balance between wealth and earnings

equal access to health care and education

breaks down social barriers

advantages of capitalism

dominant economic system in developed countries

corners of representative democracy

linked with economic growth

advantages of dictatorship

power centralized (more efficient)

complete control of the military and police

put an end to political unrest

advantages of feudalism

stability of infrastructure with goods and services

organized system

advantages of democracy

open to change

representation of people

promotes equality

advantages of fascism

prioritizes the welfare of the country

promotes socio-economic equality

improves peace and order

advantages of constitutional monarchy

continuity with the leader

history, culture, and traditions preserved

balance between the power of the monarchs and the parliament

advantages of oligarchy

decisions happen rapidly

women are more likely to be in power

debates exist

advantages of republic

elected representatives

individualism

power of voting

advantages of theocracy

single state-supported religion encourages political and social unity

ensures that leaders make their decisions in line with their citizens values and beliefs

disadvantages of theocracy

making sure everyone follows the teachings of one religion is hard

citizens who do not believe in the religion of the majority can have their rights abused

disadvantages of republic

focused on profit

emphasizes consumption

limits government in enforcing fair play rules

disadvantages of fascism

paves the way to abuse of power

prevents freedom of speech

widen the gap between rich and poor

disadvantages of constitutional monarchy

traditions make progression difficult

monarch cannot be removed

promotes class privilege

disadvantages of oligarchy

no change to status quo

free speech falls

middle class is squeezed out

disadvantages of capitalism

focused on profit

emphasizes consumption

limits government enforcing fair play rules

disadvantages of dictatorship

dictators can abuse citizens who oppose them

citizens may demand control sent back to elected officials

disadvantages of feudalism

divided rich and poor

serfs forfeited rights and paid heavy taxes

no independence

disadvantages of democracy

opportunity for corruption

wrong choices for leadership

favors the majority

disadvantages of socialism

bureaucracy hampers the delivery of services

people are unmotivated to develop skills

the government has too much control

disadvantages of communism

promotes bad habits (laziness, greed)

government runs the lives of the people

no financial freedom