Political Systems and Government Theories

Unit 1 Objective

• The student will compare the world's basic political systems.

Governments

• What are they?
• How did they start?
• What do they do?

What is Government?

• The institutions and processes through which public policies are made for society.

How did Government Begin?

• Force Theory: Government originated through the use of force and coercion. The strongest exerted their will on others.
• Evolutionary Theory: Government evolved gradually over time as societies grew larger and more complex. Organizations became more sophisticated.
• Divine Right Theory: Government is established and legitimized by a higher power (e.g., deity or divinely ordained monarch). Rulers have special relationship with the divine and are therefore allowed to rule.
• Social Contract Theory: Government is based on a social contract between the rulers and the ruled. Individuals give up some freedoms in exchange for security and freedom from government.

Types of Governments

• Anarchy: Refers to the absence of government; a condition where a nation or state operates without a central government. There is no public utilities, services, regulatory control, or diplomatic relationships.
  • Examples include Russia during the Russian Revolution and Somalia during the rule of tribal warlords.
• Democracy: A form of government where everyone can participate. There are two types of democracy:
  • Direct Democracy: Every citizen has an equal say in the workings of the government.
  • Representative Democracy: Citizens rule through the elected representatives. Democracy is characterized by free and fair elections, civic participation, and the protection of human rights and rule of law.
  • The US is a representative democracy.
• Monarchy: A form of rule where absolute power and authority are held by a single member of a royal bloodline. Often believed to hold power by divine right or the will of God. Power is inherited within the line of succession.
  • Today, some monarchies are merely symbolic, while others coexist with constitutional structures.
• Feudalism: A social structure centered around land ownership, nobility, and military obligations. Sharp hierarchical divisions separate noble classes, clergy, and peasantry. Opportunities for movement between these classes are rare. This system was common in Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly in 11th-century France. Feudalism was highly decentralized and agriculturally based.
• Dictatorship (Totalitarianism): A nation ruled with absolute power in the absence of a democratic process. Typically under the thumb of a single authority figure or a small group. Dictators are not constitutionally restricted or accountable to parliaments. Often characterized by subverting existing government, claiming weakness/corruption, and prioritizing military/law enforcement.
• Communism: In its purest form, communism is the idea of common, public ownership of the economy, including infrastructure, utilities, and production. Communism aims to eliminate class divisions by overthrowing the existing ruling class. It often opposes economic stratification. Some communist states maintain a single-state authority, limiting political opposition.
• Oligarchy: A form of government ruled by a small group of individuals, based on qualities like wealth, heredity, or race. It often involves tyrannical or authoritarian rule and lacks democratic practices. Some examples of oligarchic forms include aristocracy, plutocracy, and totalitarianism.

Additional Notes:

• Some political cartoons from the early 20th century depict wealthy bankers controlling the government, highlighting the concept of an oligarchy.
• Theocracy: A form of government where religious ideology informs the leadership, laws, and customs of a nation. There is little to no distinction between religious and legal codes. Religious clergy commonly hold leadership positions. Principles may differ from constitutional law or current ethical standards.

Explore the basic political systems in the world and understand the origins of government through various theories. This quiz covers key concepts such as the force theory, evolutionary theory, divine right theory, and social contract theory. Test your knowledge on how governments are formed and their role in society.