Five Basic Political Systems and Republic vs Democracy (Lecture Review)

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture: five political systems, differences between democracy and republic, spectrum placement, historical examples, and related symbols and party history.

What are the five basic forms of government analyzed in the lecture?

Monarchy or dictatorship, oligarchy, democracy, republic, and anarchy.

How does an autocracy function, according to the notes?

It’s not truly rule by one person; a group behind the scenes (military or bureaucrats) supports the visible leader and maintains control.

What is an oligarchy?

Rule by a small group of elites; power concentrated among a few.

What is anarchy and why is it considered temporary?

Absence of government; creates a power vacuum that is quickly filled by those who restore order, often leading to a new form of government (usually oligarchy).

Where do communism and Nazism fit on the political spectrum?

Placed on the left as forms of total government (communism, socialism, Nazism, fascism); left = greater government control.

What is democracy, and what is the major caveat discussed?

Rule by the majority; but without protections, it can become tyranny of the majority and oppress minority rights.

What is a republic, as defined in the lecture?

Government limited by law; the public thing (res publica); rights protected; majority cannot override the law.

How does the Old West example illustrate the difference between democracy and republic?

In democracy, the majority could vote to hang the gunman; in a republic, due process requires a jury verdict and a sheriff’s intervention to uphold rights.

What does the lecture say about Rome's trajectory from republic to oligarchy?

Rome moved from republic to democracy to oligarchy under the Caesars due to power expansion and weakening of constitutional limits.

What is the relationship between government power and personal liberty, according to the notes?

As government power grows, freedom recedes; proper limits are necessary to preserve liberty.

What is libertarian ideology?

Government should be small with limited power; individuals should be left alone as long as they don’t harm others.