Political Systems Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is an absolute monarchy?

A system where power is held by a small group

Government where citizens vote on all issues

Governed by a king or queen with supreme authority (correct)

A system led by a dictator

Provide an example of an absolute monarchy.

Jordan

What defines a dictatorship?

Government based on religious principles

Citizens participate in all decision-making

One person or a small group holds unlimited power (correct)

Power is distributed among regional governments

What is an example of a dictatorship?

Cuba Signup and view all the answers

What does oligarchy mean?

Rule by a small group of powerful people Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of an oligarchy.

Ancient Greece (Sparta) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes totalitarian regimes?

Unlimited authority by a dictator Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a totalitarian regime.

North Korea Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of a theocracy?

Rulers claim to represent religious ideas Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of a theocracy.

Iran Signup and view all the answers

Define a direct democracy.

Government by the people through assemblies Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of where direct democracy works well?

Ancient Greece (Athens) Signup and view all the answers

What is a constitutional monarchy?

A monarchy limited by law and elected parliament Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a constitutional monarchy.

United Kingdom Signup and view all the answers

What is a republic?

Indirect democracy with elected officials Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of a republic.

The U.S. Signup and view all the answers

Define a unitary system.

A system where central government holds ultimate authority Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of a unitary system.

United Kingdom Signup and view all the answers

What is a federal system?

Divides powers between national and regional governments Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of a federal system.

U.S. and India Signup and view all the answers

What is a confederal system?

Independent states join to form a central government with limited powers Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of a confederal system.

The U.S. under the Articles Signup and view all the answers

Describe a parliamentary system.

Combines executive and legislative branches with a prime minister Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of a parliamentary system?

Prime minister is not directly elected by the people Signup and view all the answers

What is typical of a presidential system?

President is elected for a limited term and balances power with legislature Signup and view all the answers

How do dictators tend to hold onto their power?

By force, often violently Signup and view all the answers

Why are representative democracies more common than direct democracies?

Direct democracy works better in smaller areas Signup and view all the answers

How are republics and democracies similar?

Both elect leaders and vote on laws Signup and view all the answers

How do republics differ from democracies?

Republics are indirect while democracies are direct Signup and view all the answers

What were the duties of the Senate in the Roman Republic?

Advise officials, control finances, review laws, conduct foreign relations Signup and view all the answers

In what system of government do states and regions exercise the most power?

Confederal system Signup and view all the answers

Describe the U.S. federal system.

Divides power between national and regional governments Signup and view all the answers

How is power organized in a unitary system?

Ultimate authority rests with the national government Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Government Systems

Absolute Monarchy: Governed by one individual, typically a king or queen, with supreme authority. Example: Jordan.
Dictatorship: Centralized power under one ruler or small group, often maintained through force. Example: Cuba.
Oligarchy: Rule by a small, powerful group prioritizing their interests, typically based on wealth or military power. Example: Ancient Sparta.
Totalitarian Regimes: Dictatorship with unlimited authority over political, social, and economic life, without restrictions. Example: North Korea.
Theocracy: Government led by religious leaders asserting divine guidance. Laws are based on religious texts. Example: Iran.
Direct Democracy: Decision-making is performed directly by citizens, typically in small communities. Example: Athens in Ancient Greece.
Constitutional Monarchy: Monarch acts as head of state within limits set by an elected parliament. Example: United Kingdom.
Republic/Representative Democracy: Indirect democracy where officials are elected to represent the people's interests. Example: United States and Ancient Rome.

Government Structures

Unitary System: Authority centralized in one national government; local governments execute central decisions. Examples: United Kingdom, Japan.
Federal System: Power divided among national, state, and regional governments, each with law-making capabilities. Examples: United States, India.
Confederal (Confederate) System: Independent states unite under a central government, granting it limited powers. Example: U.S. under the Articles of Confederation, European Union.
Parliamentary System: Executive and legislative branches are combined; a Prime Minister is elected by parliament instead of directly by the populace. Based on British model.
Presidential System: Characterized by a directly elected president who leads the executive branch, balanced by a legislative branch. Example: United States.

Political Power and Representation

Dictators' Power Retention: Often maintained through violent force and instilling fear among the populace.
Commonality of Representative Democracies: More frequent in larger countries, as direct democracies are effective in smaller communities.
Comparison of Republics and Democracies: Both involve elections; however, republics utilize indirect representation while democracies focus on direct participation.

Roman Republic Specifics

Senate Duties: Provided counsel to officials, managed public funds, reviewed and proposed legislation, and handled foreign relations.

State Power in Governance

Power in Confederal Systems: States and regions have the most authority compared to other government structures.
U.S. Federal System: Distributes powers among national and state governments, emphasizing a cooperative framework.

Organization in Unitary Systems

Power Dynamics: Local governments may engage actively in governance, but primary authority rests with the national government.

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Description

This quiz covers key political systems and their characteristics, including absolute monarchy, dictatorship, and oligarchy. Each term is explained with definitions and real-world examples. Test your understanding of these forms of governance.