2. Comparing Forms of Government
(Introduction)
The United Nation is an international organization
that is intended to promote peace and human
rights throughout the world. In 2013, there are
representatives from 193 different countries.
The governments of these countries are mainly
democracies. A few delegates represent monarchies
and an even smaller number represent dictatorships.
The Countries of the United Nations have very different
populations, forms of governments and economic
systems.
2.1
3. Forms of Government in Today's World
With the exception of Antarctica, the landmasses on Earth
are divided into nation-states. Almost all have some form of
functioning government.
These governments fall into three major groups:
1. rule by the one (monarchies and dictatorships)
1. rule by the few (theocracies and single-party states)
1. rule by the many (parliamentary and presidential
democracies).
2.1
4. Monarchy:
a A system of government in which
a single ruler has supreme
power based on heredity or
divine right
2.1
4
Pros (+) Cons (-)
• Efficient way of carrying out
decisions and policies since
decisions are made by one
person
• Clear line of succession -
Citizens know who is next in
line for the throne
• Loyalty to the monarch holds
the nation together
• Quality of leadership can vary
• Dramatically different from
one generation to the next
• Job of running a modern
nation state has become too
big for any ,but the most
exceptional monarchs to do
well
5. Modern Monarchies
Today’s monarchs go by many names,
including king, queen, sultan, emperor, and
Amir. Most have inherited their power and
expect to rule for life. But the modern
monarch’s power is rarely as great as in the
days of Louis XIV and other absolute
monarchs
Most monarchs today face strict legal
restrictions on their power, often imposed by a
constitution.
2.1
6. Modern Monarchies
A British monarch, for example, has the
formal authority to call elections and
appoint a new prime minister. However,
most jobs are ceremonial. Real power rests
with Great Britain’s democratically elected
leaders.
In contrast, Saudi Arabia’s king exercises
broad powers. He inherits his position and
has legislative, executive, and judicial
powers. Only Islamic law and Saudi
traditions limit his powers.
2.1
7. Dictatorship:
A system of government in which a single
person takes and holds power by force. The
leader controls the military and police.
2.1
7
Pros (+) Cons (-)
• Power is in the hands of a
single military or political
leader who can get things
done efficiently
• Control of the military and
police allows the dictator to
maintain peace and order
• Power can be used to abuse
citizens who oppose the
dictator
• Dictators face serious
legitimacy problems and
citizens may want a new
leader.
8. Modern Dictatorship
Mobutu Sese Seko, Zaire’s longtime
dictator, embezzled over $5 billion
from his country.
2.1
8
Red colored countries are
authoritarian, and most often
dictatorships. Most current
dictatorships are in Africa and
Asia.
Examples of 20th century dictators
9. Modern Dictatorship
Muammar al-Gaddafi, took control
of Libya in a military coup, in 1969.
A coup is the sudden overthrow of a
government by a small group of
military officers or political leaders.
In February 2011, growing
discontent led to a wave of protests
in Libya, calling for an end to
Gaddafi's rule. Months later, he was
overthrown.
2.1
Red colored countries are
authoritarian, and most often
dictatorships. Most current
dictatorships are in Africa and
Asia.
10. Theocracy:
A system of government headed by a religious leader.
2.1
10
Pros (+) Cons (-)
• Single, state-supported
religion encourages political
and social unity
• Political decisions are in line
with the people’s moral
values and beliefs
• Difficult to enforce religious
unity as the country grows
larger
• Religious minorities may not
have power or may be
mistreated
• Religious warfare may break
out
11. Modern Theocracy
By 2007, only two theocracies existed in the
world: Vatican City and Iran. Vatican City is the
governmental and spiritual center of the
Catholic Church. Although located in the heart
of Rome, Italy, it is an independent state
headed by the Catholic pope.
Iran changed from a monarchy to a theocracy
in 1979. That year, Iranians expelled their
hereditary ruler and formed an Islamic republic
headed by a religious leader known as the
Ayatollah Khomeini.
2.1
12. Modern Single-Party States
There are a few single-party states today and they are mainly
socialist republics, in which the Communist Party rules.
In Vietnam, for example, the Communist Party is the only
legal political party.
Syria is an example of a non-communist single-party state. It
is controlled by the Ba’ath Party, which supports Arab
nationalism and unity.
Other single-party countries include: Cuba, China, North
Korea, Laos and Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
2.1
13. Single-Party State: Communism
A government in which only one political party is allowed to
rule under the constitution.
Rule by the political elite or leaders of the party who have
more power or wealth then others
2.1
13
Pros (+) Cons (-)
• Easier to pass laws by
avoiding the political
arguing common in multi-
party states
• 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
15. Parliamentary Democracy
A system of government in which voters elect lawmakers to
represent them in the nation’s parliament; The leaders of
the executive branch come from the ruling party in
parliament.
2.1
15
Pros (+) Cons (-)
• members of the legislative majority
usually vote with the prime minister
or chancellor on key issues, making
it easier to get laws passed.
• no clear-cut separation between the
executive and legislative, so
no real check on the prime minister’s
powers
• prime minister can be forced to
resign, leading to an unstable
government
16. Parliamentary and Presidential Forms
of Democratic Governments
Most countries today have adopted one of two forms
of representative democracy:
1. parliamentary democracy
2. presidential democracy.
Both forms use elections to choose national leaders,
but they are different in other ways.
2.1
18. Modern Parliamentary
Democracies
The Bahamas, The United
Kingdom, India, and Australia are
examples of parliamentary
democracies.
In a parliamentary democracy the
voters elect lawmakers to
represent them in the nation’s
parliament.
The legislative majority then
selects a member of parliament to
serve as the nation’s prime
minister, or chief executive.
2.1
19. Modern Parliamentary
Democracies
In a parliamentary democracy, there is no real separation
between the executive and legislative branches of
government.
Prime ministers remain in power only as long as they have
the support of the parliament.
If the parliament has a vote of no confidence, the prime
minister must resign.
2.1
20. Presidential Democracy:
A system of government in which voters elect lawmakers to
represent them in the legislature and a president to lead the
government as head of the executive branch.
2.1
20
Pros (+) Cons (-)
• President may be more
responsive to the public than
to the party
• Separation of executive and
legislative
• Powers allow each branch to
watch over the other to
prevent abuses of power
• Fixed terms of office creates
stability
• No easy way to remove an
unpopular president from
power
• Gridlock may result when a
president is not from the
party that controls the
legislature
• Difficult to remove the
president from office before
their terms end
21. Modern Presidential Democracies
The U.S. was not formed as a pure democracy, but as a
republic where voters elect representatives and electors.
Most modern democracies are organized as a representative
republic, where citizens vote in elections with two or more
people who run for office. These people have actual powers to
change current laws in the country and bring about reforms
(either more liberal or more conservative).
The reason why democracy has succeeded over every other
form of government is because people have a peaceful way of
removing leaders they no longer want.
2.1
22. 2.1
Modern Presidential Democracies
The United States, Russia, and most countries in Latin
America are presidential democracies.
Blue represents Republic governments around the world.
Comparing Forms of Government (Introduction)
The United Nation is an international organization that is intended to promote peace and human rights throughout the world. In 2013, there are representatives from 193 different countries.
The governments of these countries are mainly democracies. A few delegates represent monarchies and an even smaller number represent dictatorships.
The Countries of the United Nations have very different populations, forms of governments and economic systems.
Section 3 - Forms of Government in Today's World
With the exception of Antarctica, the landmasses on Earth are divided into nation-states. Almost all have some form of functioning government.
These governments fall into three major groups:
rule by the one (monarchies and dictatorships)
rule by the few (theocracies and single-party states)
rule by the many (parliamentary and presidential democracies).
Monarchy: a system of government in which a single ruler has supreme power based on heredity or divine right
Pros
Efficient way of carrying out decisions and policies since decisions are made by one person
Clear line of succession - Citizens know who is next in line for the throne
Loyalty to the monarch holds the nation together
Cons
Quality of leadership can vary
Dramatically different from one generation to the next
Job of running a modern nation state has become too big for any ,but the most exceptional monarchs to do well
Modern Monarchies
Today’s monarchs go by many names, including king, queen, sultan, emperor, and Amir. Most have inherited their power and expect to rule for life. But the modern monarch’s power is rarely as great as in the days of Louis XIV and other absolute monarchs
Most monarchs today face strict legal restrictions on their power, often imposed by a constitution.
A British monarch, for example, has the formal authority to call elections and appoint a new prime minister. However, most jobs are ceremonial. Real power rests with Great Britain’s democratically elected leaders.
In contrast, Saudi Arabia’s king exercises broad powers. He inherits his position and has legislative, executive, and judicial powers. Only Islamic law and Saudi traditions limit his powers.
Modern Monarchies
Today’s monarchs go by many names, including king, queen, sultan, emperor, and Amir. Most have inherited their power and expect to rule for life. But the modern monarch’s power is rarely as great as in the days of Louis XIV and other absolute monarchs
Most monarchs today face strict legal restrictions on their power, often imposed by a constitution.
A British monarch, for example, has the formal authority to call elections and appoint a new prime minister. However, most jobs are ceremonial. Real power rests with Great Britain’s democratically elected leaders.
In contrast, Saudi Arabia’s king exercises broad powers. He inherits his position and has legislative, executive, and judicial powers. Only Islamic law and Saudi traditions limit his powers.
Dictatorship:
A system of government in which a single person takes and holds power by force. The leader controls the military and police.
Pros
Power is centralized in the hands of a single military or political leader who can get things done efficiently
Control of the military and police allows dictator to maintain peace and order
Cons
Power can be used to abuse citizens who oppose the dictator
Dictators face serious legitimacy problems and citizens may want a new leader.
Modern Dictatorship
Muammar al-Gaddafi, took control of Libya in a military coup, in 1969. A coup is the sudden overthrow of a government by a small group of military officers or political leaders. In February 2011, growing discontent led to a wave of protests in Libya, calling for an end to Gaddafi's rule. Months later, he was overthrown. Most current dictatorships are in Africa and Asia.
Mobutu Sese Seko, Zaire’s longtime dictator, embezzled over $5 billion from his country
Modern Dictatorship
Muammar al-Gaddafi, took control of Libya in a military coup, in 1969. A coup is the sudden overthrow of a government by a small group of military officers or political leaders. In February 2011, growing discontent led to a wave of protests in Libya, calling for an end to Gaddafi's rule. Months later, he was overthrown. Most current dictatorships are in Africa and Asia.
Mobutu Sese Seko, Zaire’s longtime dictator, embezzled over $5 billion from his country
Theocracy:
A system of government headed by a religious leader.
In ancient city-states, theocracies were common.
Pros:
Single, state-supported religion encourages political and social unity
Political decisions are in line with the people’s moral values and beliefs
Cons:
Difficult to enforce religious unity as the country grows larger
Religious minorities may not have power or may be mistreated
Religious warfare may break out
Modern Theocracy
By 2007, only two theocracies existed in the world: Vatican City and Iran. Vatican City is the governmental and spiritual center of the Catholic Church. Although located in the heart of Rome, Italy, it is an independent state headed by the Catholic pope.
Iran changed from a monarchy to a theocracy in 1979. That year, Iranians expelled their hereditary ruler and formed an Islamic republic headed by a religious leader known as the Ayatollah Khomeini.
Modern Single-Party States
There are a few single-party states today and they are mainly socialist republics, in which the Communist Party rules. In Vietnam, for example, the Communist Party is the only legal political party. Syria is an example of a non-communist single-party state. It is controlled by the Ba’ath Party, which supports Arab nationalism and unity. Other single-party countries include: Cuba, China, North Korea, Laos and Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
Single-Party State
A government in which only one political party is allowed to rule under the constitution.
Rule by the political elite or leaders of the party who have more power or wealth then others.
Pros
Easier to pass laws by avoiding the political arguing common in multi-party states
Cons
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
Modern Single-Party States
There are a few single-party states today and they are mainly socialist republics, in which the Communist Party rules. In Vietnam, for example, the Communist Party is the only legal political party. Syria is an example of a non-communist single-party state. It is controlled by the Ba’ath Party, which supports Arab nationalism and unity. Other single-party countries include: Cuba, China, North Korea, Laos and Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
Parliamentary Democracy:
A system of government in which voters elect lawmakers to represent them in the nation’s parliament; The leaders of the executive branch come from the ruling party in parliament.
Pros
members of the legislative majority usually vote with the prime minister or chancellor on key issues, making it easier to get laws passed.
Cons
no clear-cut separation between the executive and legislative, so no real check on the prime minister’s powers
prime minister can be forced to resign, an unstable government
Parliamentary and Presidential Forms of Democratic Governments
Most countries today have adopted one of two forms of representative democracy:
parliamentary democracy
presidential democracy.
Both forms use elections to choose national leaders, but they are different in other ways.
Diagram: In a Presidential Democracy citizens vote for their legislators and president. In a Parliamentary Democracy citizens vote for their legislators, but the legislators (parliament) choose the executive (prime minister).
Parliamentary and Presidential Forms of Democratic Governments
Most countries today have adopted one of two forms of representative democracy:
parliamentary democracy
presidential democracy.
Both forms use elections to choose national leaders, but they are different in other ways.
Diagram: In a Presidential Democracy citizens vote for their legislators and president. In a Parliamentary Democracy citizens vote for their legislators, but the legislators (parliament) choose the executive (prime minister).
Modern Parliamentary Democracies
The United Kingdom, India, and Australia are examples of parliamentary democracies.
In a parliamentary democracy the voters elect lawmakers to represent them in the nation’s parliament. The legislative majority then selects a member of parliament to serve as the nation’s prime minister, or chief executive.
In a parliamentary democracy, there is no real separation between the executive and legislative branches of government.
Prime ministers remain in power only as long as they have the support of the parliament. If the parliament has a vote of no confidence, the prime minister must resign
Modern Parliamentary Democracies
The United Kingdom, India, and Australia are examples of parliamentary democracies.
In a parliamentary democracy the voters elect lawmakers to represent them in the nation’s parliament. The legislative majority then selects a member of parliament to serve as the nation’s prime minister, or chief executive.
In a parliamentary democracy, there is no real separation between the executive and legislative branches of government.
Prime ministers remain in power only as long as they have the support of the parliament. If the parliament has a vote of no confidence, the prime minister must resign
Presidential Democracy:
A system of government in which voters elect lawmakers to represent them in the legislature and a president to lead the government as head of the executive branch.
Pros
President may be more responsive to the public than to the party
Separation of executive and legislative
Powers allows each branch to watch over the other to prevent abuses of power
fixed terms of office creates stability
Cons
No easy way to remove an unpopular president from power
Gridlock may result when a president is not from the party that controls the legislature
Difficult to remove the president from office before their terms end
Modern Presidential Democracies
The U.S. was not formed as a pure democracy, but as a republic where voters elect representatives and electors
Most modern democracies are organized as a representative republic, where citizens vote in elections with two or more people who run for office. These people have actual powers to change current laws in the country and bring about reforms (either more liberal or more conservative).
The reason why democracy has succeeded over every other form of government is because people have a peaceful way of removing leaders they no longer want.
Modern Presidential Democracies – continued
The United States, Russia, and most countries in Latin America are presidential democracies.
Countries categorized by the Democracy Index 2011 as Full democracy include: Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, Canada, Finland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Ireland, Austria, Germany, Malta, Czech Republic, Uruguay, United Kingdom, United States, Costa Rica, Japan, South Korea, Belgium, Mauritius and Spain
Democracies that are troubled with one or more of the following problems: Non-Elected people have a Strong Say in Government, Voter Fraud, Election Non-Recognition, Frequent government overthrows (coups). A list of such countries would include: Mexico, Venezuela, Ukraine, Russia, Iran, Most of Sub-Saharan Africa, Thailand, Italy, Lebanon, and Egypt.