Types of Government

Capitalism

A free market economy where people own their own businesses and property and must buy services for private use, like healthcare

Socialism

Government owns many of the larger industries and provides education/health/welfare services while allowing citizens some economic choice.

Communism

Comes from Karl Marx

The government owns all businesses and farms, but provides for peoples healthcare, education, and welfare

Feudalism

Peasants and vassals serve a powerful Lord who protects them and takes care of their economic needs

Dictatorship

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

Democracy

The government is elected by the people. Everyone who is eligible to vote- majority of population - have a chance to say who runs the country

Fascism

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

Constitutional Monarchy

Where a parliament and the monarch rule together under the law.

Oligarchy

A form of government which consists of rule by an elite group who rule in their own interests. Especially the accumulation of wealth and privilege.

Theocracy

A from of government where the rulers claim to be ruling on behalf of a set of religious ideas or direct agents of a deity.

Republic

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

Anarchy

A situation where there is not government. this can happen after a civil war, where a government has been destroyed and rival groups are fighting to take its place

Parliamentary

system led by representatives of the people - each is chosen as a member of a political party and remains in power as long as his/her party does

Totalitarian

Rule by a single political party. people are forced to do what the government tells them and may also be prevented from leaving the country

Revolutionary

The existing structure is overthrown by a completely new group.