Chapter 2 - Forms of Government Pros/Cons

Study Notes

Monarchy

Efficient decision-making process due to centralized power.
Clear succession line enhances stability and continuity.
Loyalty to the monarch fosters national unity.
Leadership equality can fluctuate significantly, causing disparities.
Modern governance complexities may exceed the abilities of most monarchs.

Dictatorship

Centralization of power in one leader allows for quick and effective government actions.
Control over military and police contributes to maintaining order and peace.
Potential for human rights abuses against dissenters is high.
Dictators often contend with questions regarding their legitimacy.

Theocracy

A state-supported religion can strengthen political and social cohesion.
Ensures that political actions align with the moral values and beliefs of the populace.
Religious minorities may face discrimination and oppression.
Larger states struggle to maintain religious homogeneity, complicating governance.

Single Party State

Absence of competing political parties can reduce power struggles.
Legislative processes may be streamlined, allowing for expedient lawmaking.
The elite's views may not represent the general population, causing societal unrest.
Political dissenters often find themselves excluded from decision-making.

Direct Democracy

Empowers every citizen to participate in decision-making.
Policy decisions tend to carry broad public support.
The process can be labor-intensive and time-consuming for participants.

Parliamentary Democracy

Majority party alignment with the prime minister eases legislative passage.
Lack of separation between executive and legislative branches can diminish checks on power.
Instability can arise from the possibility of the prime minister being forced to resign.

Presidential Democracy

Direct election of presidents enhances accountability and responsiveness to public needs.
Presidents typically have stronger public support than prime ministers from parliament.
Separation of powers allows for mutual oversight between branches of government.
Stability may be greater than in systems where prime ministers can be easily dismissed.
Difficulty in impeaching presidents before their term ends can lead to prolonged term limits.
Legislative gridlock can occur if the president and legislature are from different parties.
Potential exists for presidents to exploit their power to create authoritarian governance.

Description

Explore the advantages and disadvantages of various forms of government in this flashcard quiz. Learn about monarchy and dictatorship, including their efficiencies and challenges. Perfect for anyone studying political systems and governance.