Forms of Government Gallery Walk As you enter the room Create this chart in your binder Government System Aspects Monarchy Dictatorship Anarchy Direct Democracy Representative Democracy Oligarchy Pros Cons Illustration Monarchy • a system of government in which a single ruler exercises supreme power based on heredity or divine right Advantage • • • • efficient way of carrying out decisions and policies clear line of succession loyalty to monarch can be a unifying power Modern monarchies are limited by a constitution Disadvantage • varying quality of leadership • Can be authoritarian Dictatorship • a system of government in which a single person exercises supreme power based on its control of the military and police Disadvantage • power can be used to abuse citizens who oppose the dictator • dictators face serious legitimacy problems Advantage • power centralized in the hands of a single military or political leader(s) who can get things done efficiently • control of the military and police allows dictator to maintain peace and order Oligarchy • An authoritarian government that gives power to a few people or a political party based on wealth, social status, military power or a combination of those factors. • Advantage • easier to pass laws by avoiding the political wrangling common in multiparty states • Disadvantage • the views of the party elite may differ from the interests of the people as a whole, leading to social unrest • • people with differing political views are often shut out of the political process Anarchy • No Centralized Government or authority • Maximum individual freedom with no safeguards Direct Democracy • a system of government in which public decisions are made directly by citizens in an assembly or voting by ballot. • In most places, you had to be born a citizen. • Invented by the Greek city-state of Athens. Advantage • each citizen has an equal say in public affairs • decisions have widespread support • Powers: make laws; all (male) citizens could be involved in the government. Disadvantage • very time-consuming for citizens • “Mob Rule” mentality Representative Democracy • Rule by People through Representatives • People Vote for others to run the government for them • If the Representative fails to carry out the will of the people they are voted out Sinker • Keep the Chart in your binder • SAR Writing – Separate sheet of paper • In between 8-10 sentences • Compare and Contrast two forms of government. What are their strengths and weaknesses? Which one of the two forms would you want to live under? Why?
