Forms of Government

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What is the basis of political authority in a democracy?

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Political authority rests with the people, and government is conducted only by consent of the people.

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What is direct democracy?

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Also known as 'pure democracy,' it is where the will of the people is made public law by the people themselves in mass meetings. It only really works for small communities.

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What is indirect democracy?

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Also known as 'representative democracy,' it is where a small group chosen by the people acts as representatives to express popular will.

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What characterizes a dictatorship?

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It is characterized by absolute and unchallengeable authority over people, with rulers holding no responsibility to the will of the people.

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What is an autocracy?

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A government in which a single person holds unlimited political power.

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What is an oligarchy?

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A government in which the power to rule is held by a small, usually self-appointed elite.

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What is a unitary government?

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Also known as 'centralized government,' it is where all powers are held by a central agency, which creates local units.

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What is a federal government?

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Power is divided between central government and local governments, and both must agree to make changes.

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What is a confederation?

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An alliance of independent states where the central organization only handles matters that member states assign to it, usually limited to defense and trade.

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What characterizes a presidential government?

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The executive and legislative branches are separate and independent. The chief executive (president) is chosen independently of the legislature, holds office for a fixed term, and has broad powers not subject to control by the legislative branch.