Forms of Government

A SYSTEM of Government: In this system, power is divided between a central government and smaller regional governments.

• Federal

• Confederal

• Unitary

A SYSTEM of Government: In this system, power is in the regions, which are independent states.

• Federal

• Confederal

• Unitary

A SYSTEM of Government: In this system, power is concentrated in the national (or central) government.

• Federal

• Confederal

• Unitary

What is the difference between a SYSTEM of Government and a FORM of Government?

• The System is temporary while the Form is permanent.

• The System is for local governments while the Form is for National governments.

• The System focuses on social policies while the form focuses on economic policies.

• The Form of Government is "who rules and who participates." The System of Government is "how power is distributed."

A FORM of government where citizens exercise power to participate in the government, either acting directly on their own, or through elected representatives.

• Monarchy

• Democracy

• Oligarchy

• Theocracy

A FORM of government where a single ruler exercises supreme power. This power is usually obtained through ancestry (family) or "divine right." Rule typically passes from one generation to the next.

• Democracy

• Monarchy

• Theocracy

• Oligarchy

A FORM of government in which the government is headed by religious leaders.

• Democracy

• Totalitarian Dictatorship

• Oligarchy

• Theocracy

A FORM of government where the rulers are just a few (usually wealthy) people.

• Totalitarian Dictatorship

• Democracy

• Oligarchy

• Monarchy

A FORM of government where the leader obtains absolute power in a country, usually through violent means.

• Democracy

• Dictatorship

• Oligarchy

• Theocracy

Government by a single person who has unlimited power; also referred to as despotism.

• Autocracy

• Communism

• Democracy

• Parliament