Types of Government and Political Systems

A monarchy is a government in which a single person, the monarch, has absolute power.

In a democracy, the people have the power to make decisions through their elected representatives.

An oligarchy is a government in which a small group of people hold power.

In a republic, the head of state is typically the president.

In a republic, the powers of government are typically separated among different branches, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

In a direct democracy, decisions are made directly by the people, without the need for elected representatives.

In a republic, the powers of the government are typically limited by a constitution.

In a parliamentary democracy, the head of government is typically the prime minister.

In a republic, the powers of government are typically divided between a central government and regional or state governments.

In a unitary state, power is concentrated in the central government.

In a unitary state, the central government has more power than regional or state governments.

In a federal state, power is shared between the central government and regional or state governments.

In a confederation, the central government has less power than regional or state governments.

In a confederation, power is concentrated in regional or state governments.

In a confederation, states retain their sovereignty and are loosely associated with each other.