Types of Governments

Democracy

• Rule by the people• Citizens elect those who represent them in the government• Citizens have many rights• Parliamentary Democracy: Prime Minister elected by the legislature• Presidential Democracy: President elected by the citizens

Monarchy

• King, queen, or emperor rules• Position is usually inherited• Citizens have few or no rights except in a constitutional monarchy

Dictatorship

• One person rules usually with the backing of an army• The ruler controls everything• Citizens have few or no rights

Oligarchy

• A group of a few people rule• Ruling group is usually rich and has the backing of the military• Citizens have few or no rights• Theocracy: ruled by religious leaders• Single Party State: ruled by one political party

Communism

• Command economy• Government controlled by the Communist Party• Citizens have few or no rights• Single Party State

• Limited government: does not have complete control of citizens

• Citizens do have individual rights and responsibilities

• Unlimited government: does have complete control of citizens