Types of Government

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to types of government.

Authoritarianism

A system of government where individual rights are limited and a single ruler or small group holds power.

Dictatorship

A form of government in which one person holds total control and authority over the state.

Theocracy

A government in which religious leaders control the government and decision-making is based on religious doctrine.

Absolute Monarchy

A form of government where a king or queen has ultimate authority and power is inherited.

Oligarchy

A government in which a small group holds power, often benefiting the wealthy.

Fascism

A political system characterized by authoritarianism and totalitarianism, where power is concentrated in one ruler.

Nazism

A form of fascism associated with the Nazi Party in Germany, emphasizing total state control and racial ideology.

Communism

A political and economic ideology where all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs.

Democracy

A system of government in which the populace elects representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy in which all citizens directly participate in decision-making.

Indirect Democracy

Also known as representative democracy, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them.

Constitutional Monarchy

A system of government that combines a monarchy with a constitution, allowing for elected representatives to share power.

Divine Right of Kings

The doctrine that kings and queens have a God-given right to rule without accountability to the people.

Magna Carta

A landmark document that limited the powers of the English monarchy and established legal rights.

Thomas Hobbes

A philosopher who believed that human nature is self-interested and that society requires a strong government for order.

John Locke

A philosopher who proposed that individuals have natural rights and that government is a contract between the rulers and the people.

Thomas Jefferson

The principal author of the Declaration of Independence, who championed individual rights and the pursuit of happiness.