Types of Governments
Anarchy – no government or in transition
Advantages• Complete freedom
• No political or moral authority
Disadvantages• No protection of those
freedoms• No political or moral
authority• Chaos
Afghanistan is an example of anarchy (transitional) as it changed from one
government to another.
Republic – led by representatives chosen by the voters
Advantages• Leaders are chosen for a
certain amount of time
• The people hold the power.
• Representatives job depends on meeting the needs of their constituents
• Majority of population is represented in decision making
• Freedoms are protected.
Disadvantages• Decision making takes a long
time
• Desire of representatives to please everyone may cripple the system
• Representatives may not always agree with their constituents
• Lack of involved citizenry may allow special interest groups to influence representatives
Examples of Republics• United States
• Mexico
Monarchy – ruled by a king or queen.
Advantages• Citizens hold high regard
and personal affection for ruler
• Defined line of succession for the throne
• Leader is responsible for the well-being of their subjects
Disadvantages• Single ruler who
remains in power for life
• Ruler may have absolute power
• No choice in leader• No citizen participation
or influence in government
Examples of Monarchies• Saudi Arabia
King Abdullah
• MonocoPrince Albert II
Theocracy – rulers claim to be ruling on behalf of a set of religious ideas.
Advantages• Gov’t based on high
moral codes• Leader believes they
have divine power to rule their country
Disadvantages• No separation of
church and state• Leader may use
power to control the people
• Can lead to radicalism
Example of Theocracy• Saudi Arabia
Dictatorship – ruled by a single leader who has not been elected.
Advantages• Citizens are loyal since
there is no competition for trust and affection.
• In an emergency a dictator can move quickly. No time wasted in debate or discussion.
Disadvantages• Leader has absolute
power• Laws meet the needs of
the dictator, not the people
• May use force to keep control
• Very few freedoms
Examples of Dictators• Cuba
Fidel Castro
• North KoreaKim Jong-il
Totalitarian – ruled by a single political party
Advantages• Citizens are loyal
because there is no competition for trust or affection
• Decisions are made and implemented swiftly
Disadvantages• Leader may become a
dictator• Leader has absolute
power• People are forced to do
what the gov’t. tells them• The people may be
prevented from leaving country
Example of Totalitarianism• Soviet Union
• Nazi Germany
Oligarchy- A government ruled by a group
• Advantages• Multiple people make
decisions • Individuals can rise
through party or military ranks to gain power
• Disadvantages• Individuals have no
method to change laws
• Participation is discouraged
• Group can be very authoritarian
Examples of Oligarchy
• China • Vietnam