Different Forms of Government

Mrs. RowettGlobal RB

2007

Democracy

A political system in which the government is under the control of the citizens themselves, or elected representatives chosen from eligible citizens

Started in Athens, Greece.Practiced in Israel, England, France,

Germany, India.

Feudalism

King controlled huge tracts of land.  He would give his support and a large piece of land, called

a fief,  to a powerful lord in return for loyalty and military support.

The peasants were expected to grow food, tend the land, and provide military support to the feudal lords. 

Under European feudalism, there was very little opportunity for social advancement.

Began around 500AD – 1400AD

Divine Right

The justification of monarchy through the word of God.

Examples:Philip II of SpainLouis XIV of France

Absolutism

Throughout the 1500s and 1600s, absolutism, when kings or queens have complete control over government and the lives of their subjects, was the most widespread political system in use in Europe and parts of Asia.

Examples: Catherine the Great Peter the Great of Russia Suleiman of the Ottoman Empire

Totalitarianism

A form of government in which the political authority exercises absolute and centralized control over all aspects of life, the individual is subordinated to the state, and opposing political and cultural expression is suppressed.

Examples: Hitler – Germany Stalin – Soviet Union Mao Zedong - China

Communism

System of government in which a single party holds power.

It is characterized by state control of the economy, and restriction on personal freedoms.

It was first proposed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in The Communist Manifesto.

Examples: Soviet Union - Lenin China – Mao Zedong

Different Types of Economic Systems

Traditional Economy

Based on traditionFamily ruleUsually mostly agricultural Limited barter trade

Examples:Neolithic Civilizations Early River Valley Civilizations

Manorialism

Economic portion of feudalism where all aspects of life were centered on the lord’s manor including peasant villages, a church, farm land, a mill, and the lord's castle or manor house.

Everyone has a well

defined place in the

social structure

Capitalism

An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately owned

Development is proportionate to the accumulation and

reinvestment of profits

gained in a free market.

Imperialism

When a strong nation takes over a weaker nation or region and dominates its economic, political, or cultural life.

Causes of European Imperialism

Economic Motives

When a strong nation takes over a weaker nation or region and dominates its economic, political, or cultural life. 

The Industrial Revolution created an insatiable demand for raw materials and new markets.

NationalismEuropean nations wanted to demonstrate their power and prestige to the world.

Balance of PowerEuropean nations were forced to acquire new colonies to achieve a balance with their neighbors and competitors.

White Man's Burden

The Europeans’ sense of superiority made them feel obligated to bring their version of civilization to areas they considered uncivilized.

Communism or Marxism

Economic system

characterized by the

collective ownership of

property and by the

organization of labor for

the common advantage

of all members.