Questions and Answers
What is an absolute monarchy?
Provide an example of an absolute monarchy.
Jordan
What defines a dictatorship?
What is an example of a dictatorship?
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What does oligarchy mean?
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Provide an example of an oligarchy.
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What characterizes totalitarian regimes?
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Give an example of a totalitarian regime.
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What is a key feature of a theocracy?
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Provide an example of a theocracy.
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Define a direct democracy.
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What is an example of where direct democracy works well?
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What is a constitutional monarchy?
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Give an example of a constitutional monarchy.
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What is a republic?
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Provide an example of a republic.
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Define a unitary system.
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Provide an example of a unitary system.
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What is a federal system?
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Provide an example of a federal system.
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What is a confederal system?
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Provide an example of a confederal system.
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Describe a parliamentary system.
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What is a disadvantage of a parliamentary system?
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What is typical of a presidential system?
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How do dictators tend to hold onto their power?
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Why are representative democracies more common than direct democracies?
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How are republics and democracies similar?
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How do republics differ from democracies?
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What were the duties of the Senate in the Roman Republic?
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In what system of government do states and regions exercise the most power?
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Describe the U.S. federal system.
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How is power organized in a unitary system?
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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.