Forms and Systems of Government

A system where the executive branch, led by a president, is separate from the legislature; the president is directly elected and not accountable to the legislature.

A system where the executive branch, headed by a prime minister, is accountable to the legislature; often includes a separate head of state and prime minister.

A system combining elements of presidential and parliamentary systems; a directly elected president and a prime minister who is responsible to the parliament.

A parliamentary system with a powerful chancellor; the chancellor has more influence on policy and is less directly accountable to the legislature compared to a typical parliamentary system.

A government system where a group of people share executive powers; typical of a system with more than one member and rotation in leadership positions.

A political description concerning the relationship between the executive and the legislative branches. It describes whether the same party or different parties control the political branches.

A government formed by a political party or coalition that has a majority of seats in the legislative branch (Parliament), giving them substantial power and stability.

The origin of authority for the head of state, such as from a monarch, republic, or other source within a constitutional framework.

In some systems, the ceremonial figurehead (Head of State) is distinct from the political leader (Head of Government).

A form of government where the head of state is a monarch, usually a king or queen, who inherits their position.

A form of government where the head of state is elected or appointed, not hereditary.

The ceremonial figurehead of a country, often representing the nation in a symbolic capacity. May hold limited political power.

The political leader of a country who leads the day-to-day operations of government, wielding significant power and directly influencing policy decisions.

A political situation where the same party or coalition controls both the executive and legislative branches, leading to more cohesive policy and greater stability.

A political situation where different parties or coalitions control the executive and legislative branches, leading to potential conflict and gridlock.

A political entity that has the authority to make laws, enforce them, and wield legitimate violence within a defined territory. It possesses sovereignty, meaning it can make its own decisions without external interference. Additional features include: Rule of law, centralized organization, distinction between public and private spheres, and a regulated role for religion. Citizenship and nationhood are also significant aspects.

The process of creating a shared identity and sense of unity among a population of people in a state. It involves fostering a common language, history, culture, and values to build a national consciousness. It often involves promoting patriotism, national symbols, and a shared narrative.

The hallmarks of a modern state include:

• Legitimate Use of Violence: The state has the right to use force within its territory to enforce laws and protect its interests.
• Territory: The state occupies a defined geographic area with clear borders.
• Sovereignty: The state has supreme power within its borders and can make its own decisions without external interference.
• Rule of Law: Everyone is subject to and protected by the same laws, ensuring fairness and consistency.
• Centralized Organization: The state has a hierarchical structure that establishes clear lines of authority and responsibility.
• Differentiation of Public and Private Life: The state has an area of activities that are distinct from individuals' private lives.
• Regulation of Religion: The state establishes clear rules about how religion is practiced and how it interacts with the state.
• Citizenship and Nationhood: Individuals are members of a state and share a sense of national identity.

States can be formed through various processes:

• Absolutist Rule: A strong monarch or ruler establishes centralized power with a bureaucracy and army (e.g., early France).
• Institutional Power: Strong institutions and judges emerge, challenging the power of the monarch (e.g., England).
• Federation or Confederation: States form a union based on shared power and cooperation (e.g., Switzerland).
• Conquest or Unification: States are created through military expansion or by unifying smaller entities (e.g., Germany or Italy).
• Achieving Independence: States become independent from colonial rule or from larger states (e.g., Norway or Ireland).

States evolve over time through a process of consolidation, rationalization, and extension:

• Consolidation: The state strengthens its authority and establishes a centralized system of governance.
• Rationalization: The state develops institutions and procedures to efficiently carry out its functions.
• Extension: The state expands its influence and control through a process of nation-building and by extending its laws to new territories.
• Fallen States: Some states fail to maintain their authority and control, leading to breakdowns in governance.

The defining features of a modern state include: legitimate use of violence, defined territory, sovereignty, centralized organization, rule of law, differentiation of public and private life, regulation of religion, and citizenship/nationhood.

States evolve through consolidation (strengthening authority), rationalization (developing institutions), and extension (expanding influence and laws).

A state that loses its ability to govern effectively, leading to breakdown in order and control.