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