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Forms of Government

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Forms of Government

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khritik717
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Forms of Government and Their Examples

Democracy

Definition: Democracy is a system of government in which the power lies with the people. Citizens exercise

this power directly (direct democracy) or through elected representatives (representative democracy). It

upholds the principles of equality, freedom of speech, and rule of law.

Key Features:

- Regular elections

- Universal adult suffrage (voting rights)

- Accountability of leaders

- Rule of law and protection of fundamental rights

Examples:

- India: Parliamentary democracy with federal features; citizens elect members to the Lok Sabha, which

represents their voice.

- United States: Presidential democracy; power is divided between the executive, legislative, and judiciary.

Monarchy

Definition: Monarchy is a system of government where a single individual, such as a king, queen, or

emperor, serves as the head of state, often for life. Monarchies can be absolute (complete authority) or

constitutional (monarch's powers are limited by a constitution or laws).


Forms of Government and Their Examples

Key Features:

- Rule is hereditary in most cases.

- May coexist with parliamentary systems.

- In absolute monarchies, the monarch has unchecked powers.

Examples:

- United Kingdom: A constitutional monarchy where the monarch's role is ceremonial, and the elected

parliament holds legislative power.

- Saudi Arabia: An absolute monarchy where the king has centralized authority.

Communism

Definition: Communism is a political and economic ideology where the state owns all means of production,

and wealth is distributed equally among citizens. It aims to establish a classless, stateless society.

Key Features:

- Single-party system

- State control over the economy

- Limited political and personal freedoms

- Focus on collective ownership and equality

Examples:

- China: Governed by the Communist Party, which holds supreme authority; political opposition is
Forms of Government and Their Examples

prohibited.

- Cuba: A one-party state based on Marxist-Leninist principles.

Republic

Definition: A republic is a system of government where the head of state is not a monarch but an elected or

appointed leader. Power rests with elected representatives and is guided by a constitution.

Key Features:

- Absence of hereditary rulers

- Governance is based on laws and principles laid down in a constitution

- People elect their representatives

Examples:

- France: Semi-presidential republic where power is divided between a president and a prime minister.

- Brazil: Federal presidential republic with a directly elected president serving as both head of state and

government.

Theocracy

Definition: Theocracy is a form of government where religious leaders control the state, and laws are

based on religious doctrines. It merges political authority with spiritual guidance.


Forms of Government and Their Examples

Key Features:

- Legal system rooted in religious laws (e.g., Sharia in Islamic theocracies).

- Religious leaders or institutions hold supreme authority.

- Limited or no separation between religion and state.

Examples:

- Iran: An Islamic theocracy where the Supreme Leader, a religious authority, has ultimate control.

- Vatican City: Governed by the Pope, following ecclesiastical (Church-based) laws.

Military Dictatorship

Definition: A military dictatorship is a form of government where the armed forces control the state, often

after seizing power through a coup. The military leader often assumes both executive and legislative

authority.

Key Features:

- Suspension of constitutional rights

- Concentration of power in the hands of military officials

- Limited or no political freedoms

Examples:

- Myanmar: Currently under military rule after a coup in 2021.


Forms of Government and Their Examples

- Sudan: Frequently experiences military takeovers, with ongoing transitions.

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