Forms of Government: Monarchies, Republics, and More

Forms of Government

Constitutional Monarchy

The highest authority of the state is a king or a queen, usually hereditary. The monarch’s power is limited by the Constitution and the law. The king or queen has little authority if the government is in the hands of a president.

Republic

The head of state is an elected president who changes periodically through elections. It is mainly a representation post, representing the country in public ceremonies, but with little or no real power.

Autocracy/Despotism

This is government by a single person who has unlimited power. Citizens have no say in the government.

Absolute Monarchy

The highest authority of the state is a king or a queen, usually hereditary. The king or queen has absolute power, and citizens have no say in the parliament.

Oligarchy

The government is in the hands of a few people, usually a rich group or a dominant clan.

Dictatorship

The government is in the hands of a single leader. The leader uses force to maintain control and is usually supported by the army. Citizen’s rights are very few and depend on the will of the leader.

Totalitarianism

This is a regime with only one political party that holds all the power. The party supports a leader who acts as a dictator. People have few rights. The regime uses the army to maintain power and celebrates fake elections.

Anarchy

This is a situation in which there is no government at all. It is based on the belief that people can organize themselves without the guidance of a government. It can also occur when a country doesn't have a government because of a civil war or coup d’état.

Revolutionary Government

This is a temporary government established by a group after overthrowing a previous government. After a short period, this may change into a new type of government (republic, etc.).

Centralized Government

Decisions are taken by a National Parliament and a Central Government, or by the Central Government in non-democratic states, and affect the whole country.

Decentralized/Federal Government

The central government shares power with regional and local governments. The central government establishes the basic structure and legislation, and the regional and local governments make modifications and implement decisions.

Capitalism/Liberalism

The government does not interfere in the economy, which is regulated by market laws (supply and demand). The basic idea is that people can cover their needs with the wages from their work. Most Western countries are neoliberal, although they provide public services.

Communism/Socialism

The state interferes in everything. It controls the economy and owns most of the businesses and banks in the country. The objective is to provide people with their needs. It also gives little initiative for entrepreneurship.