Different Forms of Government

Monarchy

• Definition: Government ruled by a monarch (king/queen).
• Succession: Passed down through the family, often to the oldest child.
• Examples: United Kingdom, Japan, Spain, Sweden, Saudi Arabia.
• Forms:
  • Symbolic Monarchy: Monarch without political/economic power (e.g., UK).
  • Absolute Monarchy: Monarch makes all important decisions.
• Disadvantages: Potential for unsuitable leaders; lack of democratic governance; possible abuse of power.

Socialism

• Definition: Workers own property; government controls distribution of goods/services.
• Goal: Equal distribution for equal opportunities.
• Examples: People's Republic of China, Republic of Cuba.
• Disadvantages: Lack of incentives for hard work; potential for national failure.

Democracy

• Definition: Citizens are supreme rulers, leaders/laws determined by majority vote.
• History: Originated in Athens.
• Characteristics: Respect for human rights; exercise of free will.
• Examples: Norway, Sweden, New Zealand.
• Disadvantages: Potential instability due to leadership changes.

Autocracy

• Definition: One person/party holds supreme power.
• Characteristics: Absolute decisions; control over civil liberties.
• Example: Soviet Union under Stalin.
• Disadvantages: Potential for dictatorship and abuse of power.

Federal Government

• Definition: Division of power between central government and regions.
• Characteristics: Regions control internal affairs; promote efficiency.
• Example: United States.
• Disadvantages: Economic inequality between regions.

Oligarchy

• Definition: Rule by a few (often financially/military powerful groups).
• Characteristics: Decisions controlled by oligarchs; not formally hereditary.
• Examples: Influence of corporations in USA.
• Disadvantages: Economic/social inequality; favors the rich.

Republic

• Definition: State belongs to the people; leaders elected by people.
• Characteristics: Leaders represent citizens; decisions favor everyone.
• Examples: Philippines (both republic and democracy); Canada (democracy, constitutional monarchy).
• Disadvantages: Not suited for cultures prone to corruption/abuse.

Communism

• Definition: Classless society; state controls resources.
• Goal: Eliminate private property; share goods/services equally.
• Examples: China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Vietnam.
• Disadvantages: Human rights abuses; potential for authoritarianism.

Anarchism

• Definition: Absence of central government; self-governance.
• Goal: Volunteerism; community improvement.
• Example: Somalia (pre-2006).
• Disadvantages: Potential chaos; self-interest over community well-being.

Presidential Government

• Definition: Separation of government branches; president leads executive.
• Characteristics: President executes laws; separate legislature.
• Examples: South Korea, Philippines, Nigeria, Indonesia.
• Disadvantages: Potential abuse of executive power.

Parliamentary Government

• Definition: Legislative majority forms executive; leader becomes prime minister.
• Characteristics: Ruling party contested by opposition; leadership is not absolute.
• Example: Japan (constitutional monarchy with parliamentary system).
• Disadvantages: Potential instability due to opposition challenges.

Constitutional Government

• Definition: Constitution as foundation; defines limits/functions of government.
• Examples: United Kingdom (constitutional monarchy); USA (constitutional democracy).
• Disadvantages: Amendments needed for inconsistent vital laws.

Totalitarian Government

• Definition: Government controls all aspects of life.
• Characteristics: Suppression of freedom; control over beliefs and values.
• Example: North Korea.
• Disadvantages: Suppression of human rights; potential for abuses.