Regents ReviewRegents Review

Forms of Government

DemocracyDemocracy

Rule by the peopleOfficials are elected by votersBasic rights (civil liberties)- freedom of

speech, press, fair trial, freedom from imprisonment without proper cause.

ExampleExample

Athens- citizens could directly participate in the government. By voting on issues in the city state.

However, only a small number were citizens (women, foreigners, slaves- not citizens).

Established pattern for later democracies.

FeudalismFeudalism

Decentralized government (weak central government)- spread out.

Wealth determined by land ownership.Strict class structure.

ExampleExample

Europe during Middle AgesLived on manor. Lord, vassals, knights,

serfs.Catholic Church very powerful. Honor code- Chivalry.Japan- 1100’s- Shogun, daimyo, samurai,

farmers, merchants and artisans.Code of BushidoStrict class structure.

Divine RightDivine Right

Are also absolute monarchsDerive their authority directly from god.Compared to Mandate of Heaven (China).

ExampleExample

Louis XIV “The Sun King”Built VersaillesPatronized the artsEngaged in constant warfare

AbsolutismAbsolutism

One ruler with complete powerInherited positionWriters/ philosophers- Machiavelli and

Hobbes said human nature is bad and need a strong ruler to maintain order.

ExampleExample

Henry VIII (England)- broke away from the Catholic Church.

Peter and Catherine The Great (Russia)- sought to expand and westernize.

TotalitarianismTotalitarianism

20th century system similar to absolutism.Ruler seizes powerGovernment controls all aspects of your

life- education, art, literature.

ExampleExample

Stalin (USSR)- glorification, purges, 5 Year plan.

Hitler (Germany)- Nuremberg Laws, Holocaust (genocide).

Mussolini (Italy)- censorshipMao (China)- Cultural Revolution