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Types of government. Politics and Law 2A. Types of Government. There are two broad categories: Liberal democratic AND Traditional/authority based (Non-democratic) . Democratic government. Two types-
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Types of government Politics and Law 2A
Types of Government • There are two broad categories: • Liberal democratic AND • Traditional/authority based (Non-democratic)
Democratic government • Two types- • Direct- All citizens are leaders, involved in decisions and often chosen by lot. Examples- Ancient Athens • In-direct- Vote for representatives to make decisions. Examples- Australia, UK, USA
Democratic government • Free and fair elections • Representative parliaments • Accountable executives • Open participation • Just and equitable legal system
Democratic government • Leader- limited power, right to rule comes from the people as they are chosen and removed by them. • People- Individuals are citizens, with human rights(ie/ legal, political and social).
Democratic government • The Law-basic principle of the rule of law, law is supreme and there is formal equality before the law. (pg469). • Communication and change-open and society is dynamic.
Non-democratic government • The leader- Unlimited power, not accountable to anyone. Right to rule based on- physical power, birth or religious authority. • The people- Individuals are subjects, position in society decided by birth not merit, limited human rights.
Non- democratic government • The law- Law is at the will of the leader. Different laws for the rulers, they were above the law. • Communication and change- information controlled, and society static.
Examples • Absolute monarch- power based on hereditary right. Saudia Arabia, Monaco (most countries used this system before democracy) • Aristocracy- power is held by an elite section of society. Pre-revolution France
Examples • Oligarchy-modern term for aristocracy, often generals and the wealthy, ie South America and Burma.
Examples- Dictatorships/ Autocratic • Negative connotations- allows no opposition and rule is unfair/unequal. • Two types- Authoritarian-ie Zimbabwe’s Mugabe • Totalitarian systems- want control on all aspects of life. Ie- Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, current North Korea. • Read pgs 22/ 23 together.