Forms of Government

Thornton

What kinds of governments do we have in society?

Democracy Form of Government where citizens control their

government through voting and electionso 2 types of democracy

• Direct• Indirect

Direct Democracy All citizens participate People directly control laws

o Write, submit and vote on the laws No difference between the people and the

government

Representative Democracy

AKA - Indirect democracy People elect leaders to represent them Those leaders then write and vote on the laws for

the betterment of society If they don’t serve in societies best interest they

will not be re-elected

Absolutism One Person holds all the Power

o Monarchy• Kings, Queens, Sultans, Tzars• Family line of succession

o Dictatorship• Power taken by force (military)• More repression and military force

Theocracy The religion is the law for society Religious leaders hold the power

o Vatican Cityo Irano USA?

Oligarchy Involves 2 or more people who control society

o Military, rich/elite, religiouso Russiao South Africao USA?

Doesn’t last

Anarchy No Government Traditions rule over society however there is no

one to enforce rules

Government and Economy

Capitalism Socialism Communism

Capitalism Economics system based on 3 things

o Wage laboro Private ownershipo Means of production

Government involvement = Laissez Faire or “let it be”o Government stays out of the economy

Socialism and Communism

Means of production is owned by the state Everyone works for a common good Wealth is redistributed equally among the people Higher taxes

Socialism o Capitalism can exist within socialismo Can accumulate more wealth based on taxes paid

Communism o Extreme form of socialismo Wealth redistributed based on need