Foundational Basics: Forms of Government

In this form of government, a monarch, generally referred to as a king or queen, rules the country. Most monarchs come to power through heredity: the current monarch’s oldest child becomes the next king or queen. Various systems of monarchy exist. In an absolute monarchy, the monarch holds all power and has final say over the government.

• Absolute Monarchy

• Constitutional Monarchy

• Dictatorship

• Anarchy

In this form of government, a monarch, usually referred to as a king or queen, serves a symbolic role or is granted limited power through a country’s constitution. He or she may share power with other parts of the government or have no real power at all. The country’s constitution and laws govern the country and any role the monarch may enjoy. An executive and legislature conduct the day-to-day tasks of governing.

• Absolute Monarchy

• Constitutional Monarchy

• Anarchy

• Oligarchy

In this form of government, a single leader has absolute control over citizens’ lives. Dictators may maintain control through fear, control of information, or the illusion of protection. In a dictatorship, a country’s constitution is devalued because the dictator has control over it. Other branches of government do what the dictator wants them to do. They do not represent the people.

• Theocracy

• Democracy

• Monarchy

• Dictatorship

In this form of government, citizens elect leaders to represent their rights and interests in government. Most modern day republics are governed by a primary document, such as a constitution, voted on by the people. Elected leaders are responsible for performing the tasks and duties of governing the country, but if the people don’t like what their representatives are doing, they can vote in new ones.

• Theocracy

• Direct Democracy

• Republic

• Anarchy

In this form of government, citizens participate directly in government according to the laws. Discussions and debates are public, and citizens are encouraged to become involved. People are responsible for all aspects of government in a direct democracy. They vote directly on the laws and may even vote to decide the outcome of court cases.

• Theocracy

• Oligarchy

• Republic

• Direct Democracy

In this form of government, God or a divine being is the ultimate authority. Religious law is used to settle disputes and rule the people. A theocracy can also be a republic, dictatorship, monarchy, or just about any other form of government. Modern theocracies are usually found in countries where the population is strongly religious.

• Oligarchy

• Theocracy

• Direct Democracy

• Anarchy

In this form of government, a small group has power. Sometimes this means that only a certain group has political rights, such as members of one political party, social class, or race. But it can also describe a government in which a few people control the country, usually after taking it over by force. Power is passed from one generation to the next. Control is maintained by oppressing those who oppose the government.

• Absolute Monarchy

• Oligarchy

• Republic

• Direct Democracy

In this form of government no one is recognized as the authority. Essentially there is no government. Anarchy could refer to a state in complete disorder with no regard for the law. But it can also describe the state of existence before any governments developed. Today, people who call themselves anarchist usually believe that people should be allowed to freely associate together without being subject to any nation or government.

• Anarchy

• Theocracy

• Republic

• Oligarchy