Classifications of Governments and Aristotle
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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes a Liberal Democratic government from other forms of government?

  • The government is completely controlled by pressure groups.
  • There are periodic and fairly conducted elections. (correct)
  • It has a single-party system.
  • There is no political competition for power.

    • According to the characteristics of Liberal Democratic governments, Civil Liberties include which of the following?

  • The right to bear arms without restriction.
  • Government control over all associations.
  • Freedom of speech and religion. (correct)
  • Mandatory voting laws.

    • In the context of government forms, what does 'Political Equality' refer to?

  • Every citizen has the same voting power. (correct)
  • Only educated citizens can vote.
  • Political decisions are made by a small elite group.
  • All citizens receive equal monetary resources.

    • Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a Liberal Democratic government according to the provided content?

    <p>Power is fully concentrated in one branch of government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'The Rule of Law' in the context of a Liberal Democratic government?

    <p>Government powers are constrained by laws or constitutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two dimensions Aristotle used to classify governments?

    <p>The number of people governing and the interest of the rulers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which form of government does Aristotle consider the genuine form of rule by one?

    <p>Kingship</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Aristotle, tyranny is the perverted form of which type of government?

    <p>Kingship</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What degeneration occurs from aristocracy according to Aristotle's classification?

    <p>Oligarchy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Aristotle's classification, which term describes the rule of the many in a perverted form?

    <p>Democracy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Classifications of Governments

    • Thinkers have presented various classifications of governments throughout history.
    • Classification is a key tool for comparative politics.
    • Aristotle created one of the earliest and most relevant classifications of ancient Greek city-state governments.

    Greek City-States

    • Greek city-states exhibited a wide range of governing styles.
    • These settlements provided a valuable case study for Aristotle.
    • Aristotle wanted to understand which systems best combined stability and efficiency.

    Aristotle's Classification

    • Aristotle's system was based on two dimensions.
    • The first dimension was the number of people involved in governing: one, few, or many.
    • The second dimension was whether rulers govern in the common interest or in their own.
    • This led to six types of government.

    Types of Governments (Rule by One)

    • Kingship (Monarchy): Benevolent dictatorship, ruled by a virtuous leader for the good of the people.
    • Tyranny: Corrupt form of rule by a single person, benefitting the ruler at the expense of the people.

    Types of Governments (Rule by Few)

    • Aristocracy: Rule by the virtuous, intelligent, and morally enlightened.
    • Oligarchy: Corrupt form, where rulers protect their privileges.

    Types of Governments (Rule by Many)

    • Polity: Rule by the moderate middle class, exercised through law.
    • Democracy: Rule by the poor, guided by self-interest.

    Modern Classifications

    • Modern political scientists differentiate three main types of government:
      • Liberal democratic
      • Totalitarian
      • Autocratic

    Liberal Democratic Government

    • Characterized by more than one political party vying for power.
    • Competition is open and based on established procedures.
    • Entry into political power is relatively open.
    • Fair elections based on universal franchise are held.
    • Pressure groups and civil society are not tightly controlled.
    • Civil liberties (speech, religion, assembly) are protected.
    • The nation has ultimate authority.
    • Power is separated among branches of government.
    • Citizens have equal opportunity in voting.
    • Governments should act according to the wishes of the majority.
    • Governments must be constrained by law or constitutions, and procedures.
    • Leadership succession happens through elections.
    • Elected persons manage government and seek alternative sources of information.
    • Mass media should not be monopolized by the state.
    • The government must be informed about public preference via institutions.

    Totalitarian Government

    • An official ideology imposed by the state affects society.
    • A single mass party is typically led by one person.
    • Repressive measures like terror are used to enforce obedience.
    • The government has a monopoly on communications and mass media.
    • The government centrally controls the economy.
    • Little distinction between public and private affairs; the state intervenes in social matters.
    • Civil liberties are weak.
    • Mass media is strictly controlled by the government.
    • Little judicial independence.

    Autocratic Government

    • Limitations and constraints are imposed on political competition.
    • Force and coercion are used to maintain political obedience.
    • There's usually an absence of a strong ideology.

    Classifications of Constitutions

    • Written Constitutions: Formal documents laying out government principles and organization. Examples: U.S and the former Soviet Union.
    • Unwritten or Uncodified Constitutions: Based on multiple documents, not a single, central document. Example: Britain
    • Rigid Constitutions: Amendments require stringent procedures. Example: U.S.
    • Flexible Constitutions: Amendments have easier procedures. Example: Britain.

    Success of Constitutions

    • Constitutions succeed when they uphold their spirit and letter.
    • This includes alignment with social interests, conditions, and values.

    Origins of Constitutions

    • Constitutions are often created during times of upheaval.
    • Examples include regime shifts, wars, revolutions, and achieving independence.

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    Related Documents

    Lecture 4: Government (2) - Introduction to Political Science PDF

    Description

    Explore the various classifications of government systems as presented by thinkers throughout history, focusing on Aristotle's influential framework. This quiz delves into the types of governments observed in ancient Greek city-states and the dimensions used by Aristotle to categorize them.

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