Forms of Government

A country is governed by a hereditary ruler.

• Monarchy

• Theocray

• Federal

• Dictatorship

Rulers claim to represent and be directed by a set of religious beliefs.

• Monarchy

• Theocracy

• Federal

• Dictatorship

National, state, and regional governments share power.

• Monarchy

• Theocracy

• Federal

• Dictatorship

Single person or small group holds absolute authority and makes all decisions (violence and force used to maintain rule).

• Monarchy

• Theocracy

• Federal

• Dictatorship

Small group of powerful people make most government decisions for their own benefit.

• Oligarchy/Aristocracy

• Unitary

• Direct Democray

• Constitutional Monarchy

Power is concentrated in the central government and regional governments carry out decisions made by the central government.

• Oligarchy/Aristocracy

• Unitary

• Direct Democracy

• Constitutional Monarchy

Works best in small communities; citizens come together to discuss and pass laws and select leaders.

• Oligarchy/Aristocracy

• Unitary

• Direct Democracy

• Constitutional Monarchy

Power of the monarch is limited by law; the real power lies in another branch of government.

• Oligarchy/Aristocracy

• Unitary

• Direct Democracy

• Constitutional Monarchy

Indirect form of democracy; citizens elect representatives to make government decisions on their behalf.

• Republic/Representative Democracy

• Confederate

• Totalitarian Regimes

• Anarchy

Independent states join together and delegate limited powers to a central government; central government only has powers given to it by the states.

• Republic/Representative Democracy

• Confederate

• Totalitarian Regimes

• Anarchy