DIFFERENT TYPES OF GOVERNMENT, WHAT THEY MEAN

AND HOW THEY WORK OUT

Dictatorship

ONE PERSON MAKES THE DECISION FOR THE WHOLE GROUP

Advantages of Dictatorship UNITY - People may be united in their

loyalty to a dictator since there is no competition for trust and affection.

FAST ACTION - In an emergency, a dictator can move quickly to take action. No time is lost in debate or discussion.

STABILITY - Strong leadership – good leader = stability

Disadvantages of Dictatorship PEOPLE’S OPINIONS IGNORED - People

are afforded little or no individual liberty. Civil rights are trampled on.

SELFISH / EGOISTIC LEADER - A dictator’s policies suit his/her own needs. Needs of the people may be neglected.

LIMITED IDEAS - Decision making has a narrow base - can be flawed, wrong, dangerous, and not fully supported by the people.

THEOCRACY

A combination of strong national pride and strong religious beliefs that has led to the control of the government by religious

leaders.

Advantages of Theocracy LIKE-MINDED IDEAS - General

agreement on the operation of the country.

TRADITIONS INTACT - Helps to keep the tradition of a country – religious doctrine or record used to rule.

ADORE LEADER - People will admire and look up to the rulers.

Disadvantages of Theocracy CONFLICTING RELIGIOUS & GOVERNING

IDEA - Driven by religion – may result on poor decisions made by the government.

MINORITIES IGNORED -Can result in discrimination if one is not a member of the majority or dominant religion.

EXTREMISM - Disagreement over interpretations of the religious doctrine can occur.

MONARCHY

Power is inherited and passed down the

royal family line.

Advantages of Monarchy

SAVE $ & TIME - No worry or conflict over elections.

AWARENESS OF LEADER - Stable long line of heirs or rulers.

CONTINUITY - Traditions of the country will be carried on.

Disadvantages of Monarchy PEOPLE HAVE NO CHOICE - Can be

restrictive because people do not have the right to vote.

ELITISM - Does not represent the entire society.

POOR LEADERSHIP IN PAST - Legacy of the past may be negative – elitism.

INHERITED POWER DOES NOT GUARANTEE GOOD LEADERSHIP - May not be prepared.

Aristocracy/ Oligarchy

A government in which the power is in the hands of a

few persons or a small group (who have the combined power of a

dictator.

Advantages of Aristocracy/ Oligarchy FAST DECISIONS - Decisions can be

made relatively quickly. BEST PEOPLE CHOSEN - May provide

expert leadership while avoiding the danger of one-person rule.

INTELLIGENCE - In theory, they are the most educated members of society.

SOME DIFFERENT IMPUT - Members of the oligarchy listen to each other - they work together to rule.

Disadvantages of Aristocracy/ Oligarchy

ELITISM - Concerns of the lower classes may be ignored.

CORRUPTION - Rich will benefit more than the poor – the rich get richer and the poor get poorer

SAME AS DICTATORSHIP

Direct Democracy

Government in which all citizens have equal

power in decision-making.

Advantages of Direct Democracy LOTS OF IMPUT - Every citizen has equal

power in matters of government. Every citizen is involved in the decision-making.

INVOLVMENT OF PEOPLE - Since all citizens are involved in decision-making, there is a broad base of support and loyalty.

CHOICES & FREEDOM - Individual liberties are protected.

Disadvantages of Direct Democracy

SIZE LIMITS SUCCESS - Only works when a small number of people are involved. Ability to gather all citizens in one place is necessary.

NEED TIME - Decision making involving all citizens is time-consuming. All citizens give input, debate, etc.

Representative Democracy

Government in which people elect representatives who hold the decision making

power.

Advantages of Representative Democracy VOICE OF PEOPLE HEARD - Citizens are involved

in decision making through their representatives, lobbying, and voting.

RE-ELECTION A CONCERN - Representatives are aware their jobs depend on meeting the needs of their constituents.

REPRESENT DIVERSE GROUPS - More likely that all elements of the population are represented.

QUALITY LEADERS - Generally, reps are educated, more capable citizens who can devote time needed to solve complex problems.

Disadvantages of Representative Democracy TIME & COMPROMISES - Decision-making is

time consuming. Desire of representatives to please everyone may cripple system.

INDIVIDUALS - Representatives may not always agree with those they represent.

MAJORITY RULES - Lack of involved citizenry may allow special interest groups to influence or dominate representatives.

Constitutional Monarchy

A parliament, consisting of elected officials, and a

monarchy rule together under a constitution.

Advantages of Constitutional Monarchy CHOICE - Concerns of all classes

and people are addressed COMPETITON - Checks and

balances because of the two areas of government

NEW & OLD IDEAS - A progressive form of government that still keeps some tradition

Disadvantages of Constitutional Monarchy

DIVISION OF THOUGHTS - Competition between the two areas of government

TIME - Decision making process is slow – too much negotiation

DIVISION OF GROUPS - Power struggle can lead to armed conflict

Facism/NazismA movement of large masses, with new leaders chosen from the rank and file. It celebrates the nation or the race as an

organic community transcending all other loyalties. It emphasizes a myth of national or racial rebirth after a period of decline or destruction. Characterized by strong

militarism, secret police, demonstrations or power, etc.

Advantages of Facism/Nazism LIMITS DISSENT - Keeps political

opponents quiet – no disturbance FAST - Decision making process is

quick RECOGNITION - Good leaders can

take all the credit SOLIDARITY - Unifies the nation -

patriotic

Disadvantages of Facism/Nazism

PREVENTS CRITICISM - No alternative views are accepted

USE OF FORCE - Brutal violence and repression

Communism

The government owns all land and property; all production and

distribution is controlled by the state; in theory everyone is equal

and works towards sharing the wealth.

Advantages of Communism EQUALITY - Everyone is treated the

same, no social classes. 2) SHARED RESSOURCES – Government

has access & shares all with people. CO-OPERATION – Country & people

benefit. SHARED BELIEFS – All have common

ideas.

Disadvantages of Communism

1) POSSIBLE CORRUPTION – Some leaders could take more for themselves.

2) NO INDIVIDUALITY – No reason to work hard or excel, all the same (no extra $ or benefits).

Key Differences!

It is important for all citizens in a democracy to know the basic difference between constitutional and non-constitutional governments. Distinguishing characteristics are limited government and unlimited government.

LIMITED VS. UNLIMITED GOVERNMENTS

Limited Government In Canada, the powers of government are

limited. A limited government is a constitutional government.

A limited government makes sure that leaders of government do not misuse the powers they have been given.

It insists that all people, including people in authority such as the president and members of the congress, obey the laws.

A limited government has effective controls over the power of people in authority and protects the rights of individuals.

Unlimited Government An unlimited government includes authoritarian

and totalitarian governments. Under authoritarian systems, all power is

concentrated in one person or a small group. People who live under an authoritarian system do

not have an effective way to restrain the power of the rulers.

Totalitarian governments regulate every part of the lives of individuals.

An unlimited government is a non-constitutional government.

An unlimited government does not have effective controls over the power of its rulers.

The people in authority cannot be easily removed from office by peaceful and legal means.