FORMS OF GOVERNMENT

Absolute Monarchy, Constitutional Monarchy, Parliamentary Democracy, Theocracy, Presidential Democracy,

Dictatorship

Absolute Monarchy

• One clear leader, chosen because they are a son or daughter of the king

• People believe this leader is in charge because they were chosen by God

• Same person makes and enforces all laws• There is a King, Queen or Czar• King Louis XIV of France was an absolute monarch• Saudi Arabia is an example, although the king must

comply with Islamic law and the Quran.

“Like my hair?”

Authoritarianism

• One person or group is in charge, often takes over by force

• People listen to him or her because they are afraid

• Unlimited authority• Individual rights are subordinate to that

power.• Hitler, Mussolini, Sadam Hussein were

examples

Going, going…

Oligarchy

• government by the few, exercised by a small and privileged group for corrupt or selfish purpose

• Often theocracies, where a religious group runs the country.

• Ancient Sparta was an example.

• Well known example was the Soviet Union

• Today the Queen has no power.

How can we best keep ourselves in power?

Democracy

• People choose a legislature and the leader through free elections.

• Direct Democracy would be if we voted on ALL of the laws. (we don’t) ex Ancient Athens

• Republic is when we have representatives to vote on laws (we have this, also known as indirect) Republic is NOT the same as a democracy. Ex Ancient Rome

“I sure hope they pick me again”

Anarchy

• Absence of government!

• Government is unnecessary.

• Government breaks down.

• Example: French Revolution, the people ran everything until Napoleon took charge.

No Government!!! YAY!!!… right?