Types and Systems of Government Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is Autocracy?

Rule by a large group of people

Government in which citizens elect delegates

Rule by a small group of people

Rule by one person (monarchy, dictatorship) (correct)

Define Oligarchy.

Rule by a small group of people who normally gain control through force.

What is Democracy?

Rule by a large group of people.

What is a Representative Democracy?

Government in which citizens elect delegates to make government decisions on their behalf. Signup and view all the answers

What is Direct Democracy?

Government in which all citizens participate in government. Signup and view all the answers

Define a Constitutional Monarchy.

Government in which a king or queen rules with a legislative body; the monarch is limited in power. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Absolute Monarchy?

Government in which a king or queen rules independently and typically has unlimited power. Signup and view all the answers

Define Totalitarian Dictatorship.

Autocratic government system in which an individual gains power by force. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Unitary System?

System of government in which an entire country is governed as a single unit or entity. Signup and view all the answers

Define a Confederal System.

System of government in which states or regional governments are loosely organized and retain sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Federal System?

System of government in which power is divided between the states and the national/federal government. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Governments

Autocracy: A government type where one person holds absolute power; can manifest as monarchy or dictatorship.
Oligarchy: Rule by a small group, often gained through force or manipulation; decisions benefit the ruling elite.
Democracy: Governance by a large group, allowing broader participation in political processes.

Democracy Variants

Representative Democracy: Citizens elect delegates to represent their interests in government; exemplified by the USA.
Direct Democracy: All eligible citizens directly participate in decision-making; historically significant in Ancient Athens.

Monarchical Systems

Constitutional Monarchy: Monarch's powers are limited by law, with a legislative body sharing authority; promotes a balance of power.
Absolute Monarchy: A monarch has complete control over the state, ruling independently without constitutional or legal restrictions.

Dictatorship

Totalitarian Dictatorship: An extreme autocratic regime where power is maintained by force and individual freedoms are suppressed; historical examples include leaders like Hitler and Stalin.

Government Structures

Unitary System: Centralized government structure where most authority is held by a national government, with local entities exercising minimal power.
Confederal System: A loose alliance of independent states with a weak central authority; states possess significant power and autonomy.
Federal System: Power is shared between national and state governments, allowing for a balance and division of responsibilities; promotes collaborative governance.

Description

Explore the essential concepts of different types and systems of government with these flashcards. Learn about autocracy, oligarchy, democracy, and representative democracy. Perfect for students and anyone interested in political science.