Types of Government

A government that has complete control over every aspect of the lives of its citizens.

• limited government

• unlimited government

A government that is legally restricted in its use of power.

• limited government

• unlimited government

Government where authority is based on the consent of the people being governed.

• Anarchy
• Monarchy
• Democracy
• Dictatorship

Citizens vote for representatives on local, state, and national levels who make laws.

• Monarchy

• Anarchy

• Theocracy

• Representative Democracy

Citizens gather to make decisions for their government and every citizen votes on every issue.

• Monarchy

• Republic

• Totalitarian

• Direct Democracy

A governing system in which elections take place between distinct political parties, there is a clear separation of powers, the rule of law is accepted by all sides, and there is equal protection of rights and liberties for all people.

• Illiberal Democracy

• Liberal Democracy

A governing system in which, although elections take place, the rulers may ignore or bypass limitations, and tend to ignore the rights and will of the minority.

• Illiberal Democracy

• Liberal Democracy

Ruler inherits power and remains head of state until death or abdication. Rules by divine right—given power to rule by God(s).

• Theocracy
• Democracy
• Republic
• Monarchy

Ruler is a symbolic head of state with elected members of Parliament who actually govern.

• Constitutional Monarchy
• President
• Dictator
• Republic

Ruler has inherited power that is unrestrained by any other institutions, such as churches, legislatures, or social elites.

• Absolute Monarchy

• Representative Democracy

• Dictator
• Republic