Types of Government

Social Studies, Chapter 1 (GED)

What defines a democracy?

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

Example: US, South Korea (most)

What defines an authoritarianism?

A form of government characterized by the concentration of power in a single authority or a small group, limited political freedoms, and a lack of democratic process.

Example: North Korea

What is a monarchy?

A monarchy is a form of government where a single person, the monarch, rules the state. (Kings, Queens, Emperors, Empresses). This is often for life and by hereditary right.

Example: UK, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Sweden

What is an oligarchy?

An oligarchy is a form of government in which power resides in a small group of individuals, often distinguished by wealth, nobility, family ties, or military control.

Example: Russia (partially)

What is a theocracy?

A theocracy is a form of government in which a deity (god) is recognized as the supreme ruling authority, with religious leaders mediating between the deity and the people.

Example: Iran

What is a republic?

Republic is a type of government where citizens elect representatives and leaders must follow a constitution.

What is dictatorship?

A dictatorship is a form of government where one leader has total control and people have very little freedom and rights protected.

How many types of democracy are there?

Two Types:
1. Direct Democracy
2. Representative Democracy

What is direct democracy?

Direct democracy is a type of democracy where all citizens vote directly on laws and decisions usually in town meetings. This takes time, very inefficient in a large group, and can lead to conflicts.

What is representative democracy?

Representative democracy is a type of democracy where citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them in elections. This is faster, more efficient for larger groups of people.

What is parliamentary democracy?

A parliamentary democracy is a system of government where the people elect representatives to a parliament, and it chooses the head of the government.
[UK uses it, combined with constitutional monarchy]

How many types of monarchy are there?

Two types;
1. Absolute Monarchy
2. Constitutional Monarchy

What is an absolute monarchy?

An absolute monarchy is a system where the monarch has complete control over the government. The ruler makes laws, controls the military, and has very few limits on power.

What is a constitutional monarchy?

A constitutional monarchy is a system where the monarch shares power with elected leaders and must follow a constitution, thereby is not above the law.

What is a federal government?

A federal government uses a system where the power is divided between the national (federal) government and state (local) governments.

What is a totalitarian government?

Totalitarian government is an extreme form of authoritarian rule where the government controls nearly every part of life including; media, education, jobs, speech, and religion.
(a type of authoritarianism)

What is Socialism?

Socialism is an economic and political system where the government controls major industries (food, clothes, oil), and resources to promote equality.

What is communism?

Communism is a system where the government owns almost everything, and private property is limited (or) eliminated to have a classless society. (Social classes; upper, middle, lower)

What is capitalism?

Capitalism is an economic system where businesses and property are mostly privately owed to encourage competition and profit making.

What is bureaucracy?

A bureaucracy is a system designed to manage the country through structured hierarchy, specialized roles, and strict adherence to rules by workers and departments.