A brief description of different forms of government, focusing on political, authoritarian, and economic ideologies.

1. Forms of Government

3. Forms of Government
• Every government has three basic structures
• Political Ideology
• How the government is structured
• Authoritarian Ideology
• Who has the power
• Economic Ideology
• How is the economy set up

4. Political Ideologies

5. Dictatorship
• Ruled by a single leader who uses force to maintain control
• Advantages
• Power is centralized in a single person - efficient
• Complete control of military and police - put an end to political unrest quickly
• Disadvantages
• Can abuse citizens who oppose rule
• Citizens demanding power be returned to the people
can spark civil war
• Examples: Sudan, Burma, Zimbabwe

6. Constitutional Monarchy
• A parliament (elected) and monarch (hereditary) rule together under the law
• Advantages
• Continuity - no term limits; culture and traditions are preserved
• Balance of power
• Disadvantages
• Progress is more difficult
• Monarchy cannot be removed; promotes class privilege
• Examples: Norway, United Kingdom, Thailand

7. Republic
• Led by representatives of the voters, who govern on behalf of all
• Advantages
• Elected officials
• Promotes individualism
• Disadvantages
• Can leave some unrepresented
• Continual change in leadership
• Examples: United States, France, Greece

8. Theocracy
• Rulers govern based upon a set of religious ideas or as an agent of a deity
• Advantages
• State supported religion encourages unity
• Leaders make decisions in line with citizen’s values
• Disadvantages
• No power for dissenting religions
• Faith is tied to power, both good leadership
and abuses
• Examples: Vatican City, Tibet, Ancient Egypt

9. Authoritarian Ideologies

10. Democracy
• Government elected by the people, who have a voice in who runs the country
• Advantages
• Promotes equality
• Open for change; allows for more people to be involved with politics
• Disadvantages
• Can lead to corruption and poor leadership choices
• Favors the majority against minorities
• Examples: United States, United Kingdom, Argentina

11. Oligarchy
• Rule by an elite group who rule in their own interests
• Advantages
• Decisions happen rapidly
• Women are more likely to ascend to power
• Disadvantages
• No change to status quo, upper class remains in
power
• Free speech is weakened
• Examples: Mexico, Bolivia

12. Fascism
• A strong central government with tough social and economic control, often fed by
a charismatic dictator and characterized by fervent patriotism
• Advantages
• Prioritizes the welfare of the state
• Promotes socio-economic equality for citizens
• Disadvantages
• Leads to abuse of certain groups of people,
mostly minorities
• Free speech is weakened
• Examples: Italy and Germany before & during WWII

13. Economic Ideologies

14. Communism
• The government owns all businesses and farms, provides its people with
healthcare, education, and welfare
• Advantages
• Equality - healthcare, education, and employment accessible to all
• No monopolies
• Disadvantages
• Hampers personal growth, no financial freedom
• Government has the power to dictate and run
the lives of people
• Examples: China, North Korea, Cuba

15. Capitalism
• Free market economy - people own their own businesses and property
• Advantages
• Linked with economic growth
• Cornerstone of representative democracy
• Disadvantages
• Focuses on profit, encourages greed and consumption
• Limits the government in enforcing fair play rules
• Examples: United States, United Kingdom, Japan

16. Socialism
• Government owns many of the larger industries; provides healthcare and
education; allows citizens some economic freedoms
• Advantages
• Balance between wealth and earnings, breaks down social barriers
• Equal access to education and healthcare
• Disadvantages
• Bureaucracy hampers delivery of services
• People can be unmotivated to develop
entrepreneurial skills
• Examples: Vietnam, Denmark, Finland, Laos

17. Create Your Own Country!

18. Create Your Own Country
• Name of the County -What form of government - country motto
• Design a flag
• How do leaders become leaders?
• How are decisions made?
• How does the government raise funds? How do they spend those funds?
• Add 2 more characteristics (Holidays, national foods, etc)
• One benefit of this form of government
• One drawback of this government
• What existing country are you closest to?
• Use ChatGPT to create a constitution for your country