Classifying
Governments
Who can participate?
Aristotle’s Approach
Type of Ruler
Ruler Rules in the Interest of:
Ruler
All Citizens
One
Tyranny
Monarchy
Few
Oligarchy
Aristocracy
Many
Democracy
Polity
Democracy
• Political authority rests with the people.
• People give their consent to be governed.
• People have a real opportunity to be heard
regularly.
• Majority rule with minority rights.
• Two types
Direct-everyone votes.
Indirect-elect a representative to vote on
your behalf.
Dictatorship
• One person has all the power.
• Oldest and most common form of
government.
• Authoritarian
• Typically militaristic.
• Two forms
1. Autocracy
2. Oligarchy
Characteristics for Both
•
•
•
•
Create policies and enforce them.
Can be run by a small group.
Multiple types
Can hold elections (In a dictatorship,
they are closely controlled and
candidates on the ballot are from one
party.)