A democracy is any form of government in which political power is exercised by all citizens, either directly or through their elected representatives. Have you ever been to vote with your parent? Direct Democracy
In a direct democracy, all citizens have a chance to participate. The people directly control and are responsible for the laws that govern their society. All citizens can take initiative to create public policy. An example of a direct democracy is ancient Athens where they held assemblies to pass laws.

Representative Democracy
Like direct democracy, representative democracy is a government by the people. Representative democracy is a form of government in which people elect leaders to write and manage laws for the country. These leaders are responsible for representing the will of the people and are elected at regular intervals. They are also often bound by a Constitution.

Autocracy
A form of government in which political power is controlled by one individual such as a monarch, dictator, emperor, etc.

Monarchy
Kings, queens, princes, and princesses. We all pretend when we’re little, but in a monarchy these roles are reality. Monarchy is ruled by a king or monarch, and he usually gains his power because his parents were rulers (monarchs) also. This applies to queens, too! Some modern monarchies like Spain and Japan have constitutions, while others do not.

Dictatorship
In a dictatorship, power is not inherited but usually is acquired by force. A dictator has absolute control over the lives of his citizens, like Kim Jong Il in North Korea. Because a dictator has absolute power, the opposition is usually suppressed and people are prevented from voicing their opinions.

Theocracy
The word theocracy contains the Greek root “theo” which means “god.” A theocracy is a rule by God or higher power. In a theocracy, religious leaders usually lead the society and religious law is used to settle disputes and rule the people. The Islamic Republic of Iran is an example of a modern theocracy.

Oligarchy

The philosopher Aristotle originally used the word “oligarchy” to refer to rule by the rich, but the literal definition of oligarchy is “rule by the few.” This means that a few people hold all the power based on military strength (known as a military junta), family power (an aristocracy), or religious force (a theocratic oligarchy). Oligarchies can often come from or lead to other forms of government like monarchies and dictatorships.

Anarchy
In this form of government, no one is in charge! Sounds too good to be true? Think about all the possible outcomes of having no government at all.

Review

Follow the directions for each section below to complete this activity.

1. Characteristics: For each form of government and its characteristics, choose the one that doesn’t belong.

a. Direct democracy: rule by the people/lead by a monarch / regular voting
b. Anarchy: rule by the people/rule by no one / no laws
c. Monarchy: rule by one / power inherited from family / regular elections
d. Oligarchy: rule by few / military, religious, or family power/power always acquired by force
e. Autocracy: monarch or dictator/power always inherited from family / never a Constitution