Forms of Governance - AP Human Geography

A government by the wealthy. Wealth determines political influence.

A state that manages the economy in the interest of the workers. Public ownership of production means.

A form of government with a monarch at the head. Leadership can be hereditary or constitutional.

A small group of people having control of a country. Rule by few, often based on wealth or power.

A system of government by one person with absolute power. No checks on the ruler's authority.

A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives. Power derives from citizen participation.

A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives. No monarch; leaders chosen by citizens.

A system where a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government. Monarch's power is limited by law.

A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God. Religious authority guides political decisions.

A system where the state holds total authority over society and controls all aspects of public and private life. Government controls economy, media, and personal freedoms.

Executive is derived from the legislative branch. Prime minister leads, chosen by legislature.

Federal divides power; unitary centralizes power. Federalism creates dual sovereignty systems.

A form of democracy where people decide on policy initiatives directly. Citizens vote directly on laws and policies.

A democracy where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Indirect democracy through elected officials.

A system where advancement is based on individual ability or achievement. Talent and effort determine social position.

The president is separate from the legislative branch. Executive and legislative branches are independent.

Combines a president and a prime minister in governance. Dual executive with shared powers.

The transfer of power from a central government to subnational entities. Central authority grants autonomy to regions.

Concentration of power in a leader or small elite not constitutionally responsible to the public. Limited freedoms but some opposition allowed.

Absolute authority by a single leader. No constitutional limits on power.

A state governed as a single entity with central authority. All power flows from the center to lower levels.

A state where power is divided between central and local governments. Constitution distributes authority between levels.

Weak central authority; power held by member states. Central government has limited enforcement power.

A state that manages the economy in the interest of the workers. Public ownership of production means.

A state governed by a single party following Marxist-Leninist principles. Single-party rule with collective ownership.

Distribution of administrative powers or functions away from a central authority. Power moves closer to local populations.

A government where officials are politically corrupt and financially self-interested. Leaders steal public resources for personal gain.

Absence of a recognized government or authority. No formal state structure exists.

A society or system controlled by corporations. Business interests control political decisions.