Types of Government
Type 1: Autocracy
Rule by One
Dictatorship
Monarchy
• Single Leader • Inherited power
• Absolute: Unlimited
• Complete
power
based
on
control
divine right
• Limited or Const.:
Share power with
legislature
Do you know your autocrats?
Crown Prince
Abdullah
Grand Duke Omar alBashir
Saudi Arabia Henri
Luxembourg Sudan
Absolute
Monarch
Dictator
Limited
Monarch
Type 2: Oligarchy
Rule by Few
• Power from wealth or status
• Communist nations
Type 3: Democracy
Rule by Many
Direct
Representative
• People rule
• People elect
themselves
others
• Vote directly on • Rule on behalf
each issue
of people
Characteristics of Democracy
1. Individual
Liberty
• Government
protects equal
opportunity
Characteristics of Democracy
2. Majority Rule
with Minority
Rights
• Constitution
safeguards rights
of majority…
• …but not at
expense of
minority rights
Characteristics of Democracy
3. Free Elections
• All votes equal
• Free to support
candidates
• Voting
requirements are
minimal
• Vote is
confidential
Characteristics of Democracy
4. Competing Political
Parties
• Groups with broad
common interests
• Make elections
meaningful
• Facilitate a peaceful
transfer of power