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Forms of Government Updated

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13 views

Forms of Government Updated

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khritik717
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© © All Rights Reserved
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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.

Note: The democracy form of government often evolves based on historical, cultural, and economic factors in different
regions.

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).

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.
Forms of Government and Their Examples

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

Note: The monarchy form of government often evolves based on historical, cultural, and economic factors in different
regions.

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

Note: The communism form of government often evolves based on historical, cultural, and economic factors in different
regions.

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
Forms of Government and Their Examples

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.

Note: The republic form of government often evolves based on historical, cultural, and economic factors in different
regions.

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.

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.

Note: The theocracy form of government often evolves based on historical, cultural, and economic factors in different
regions.

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:
Forms of Government and Their Examples

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

Note: The military dictatorship form of government often evolves based on historical, cultural, and economic factors in
different regions.

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