Types of GovernmentTypes of GovernmentChapter 3.4

DIRECT DEMOCRACYDIRECT DEMOCRACY

All adults can take part in decisions

Decisions are made at town meetings where adults can speak and vote

Often seen in New England (USA)

TRIBAL RULETRIBAL RULE

Communities band together into larger groups◦Members may HELP

in making decisionsChiefs and Elders

make final decisionsDecisions are based

on the culture’s customs and beliefs

Ex: Islamic Cultures

Iran-a tribe of Sunni Muslim women

ABSOLUTE MONARCHYABSOLUTE MONARCHY

In the past, one of the most common forms of government

A King or Queen by birth has total control◦ No constitution or

restrictions on powerFew absolute

monarchies exist todayEx: Saudi Arabia,

Qatar, Oman (Middle East)

DICTATORSHIPDICTATORSHIP

One ruler, with all the power

Most dictators don’t inherit power, they TAKE power

Usually remain power using violence against opponents

Citizens are denied any decision making

Ex: North Korea, Cuba

Fidel Castro, Cuba Kim Jong Il, N. Korea

Adolf Hitler, Germany 1939-1945

OLIGARCHYOLIGARCHY

Controlled by a small group of people◦May be the leadership

of a ruling political party

Ordinary people have little say

Ex: China, controlled by Communists

Myanmar, controlled by the Military

China Flag

Mayanmar Flag

CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHYCONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY

*Ruled by a King or Queen, but limited by law

*They have constitutions!

*Generally, the King or Queen is often only a SYMBOL of the country

*EX: UK, Netherlands, Kuwait Queen Beatrix, Netherlands