Autocratic/AutocracyRULE OF ONE

Long definition: a country or nation that is governed by a single person with unlimited power

Examples of autocratic governments

DictatorshipAbsolute MonarchyTheocracy

Oligarchic/OligarchyRULE OF A FEW

Long definition: a country or nation controlled by a small group of people that hold the key to power

Examples of oligarchic governments

Theocracy

Democratic/DemocracyRule of ALL

Long definition: a country or nation that receives its power from the people (all the people hold the key to power)

Examples of democratic governments

Parliamentary democracy

Presidential democracy

UNITARY

Long definition: One central government controls weaker states. Power is not shared between states, counties, or provinces.

Examples of unitary governments

China

Confederation

Long definition: A weak or loose organization of states that agree to follow a central government. Each state makes its own laws and the central government is only concerned about defense and trade

Examples of confederation governments

No current examples – confederations don’t last long

FEDERAL

Long definition: Power is shared by a powerful central government and states or provinces that are given considerable self-rule, usually through their own legislatures

Examples of federal governments

United States Germany

Australia

Review

Unitary Government a. Central gov. holds power

b. Local gov. holds power

c. Power is shared

Review

Confederation a. Central gov. holds power

b. Local gov. holds power

c. Power is shared

Review

Federal a. Central gov. holds power

b. Local gov. holds power

c. Power is shared

Review

Autocratic A. One in which ruler has absolute power

B. Government by the few

C. People play a greater role in decision making

Review

Oligarchy A. One in which ruler has absolute power

B. Government by the few

C. People play a greater role in decision making

Review

Democratic A. One in which ruler has absolute power

B. Government by the few

C. People play a greater role in decision making