power is divided or shared between the central government and lower governments; Germany has a federal system and so does the United States.
Back
unitary government
Front
the central government has all the power; France and the United Kingdom have a unitary form of government.
Back
direct democracy
Front
a democracy whereby laws are voted on directly by the people and not by representatives; This works best in small towns and areas with a low population.
Back
Presidential system (democracy)
Front
legislature is the lawmaking body; The president is the leader and elected by the people but does not make the laws.
Back
oligarchic
Front
a small group of people rule and the group answers only to each other; leaders are chosen from the ruling group; no citizen participation;
Back
confederation
Front
a group of states or communities that come together to support each other and to work on common problems; The European Union is an example of a confederation.
Back
Parliamentary system (democracy)
Front
Prime Minister is the leader but also a member of Parliament; parliament selects the Prime Minister; may also have a head of state or a King or Queen.
Back
autocratic
Front
a government where there is a single ruler with unlimited power; there is no citizen participation; Russia under the czars was autocratic
Back
democratic
Front
Citizens rule and have the power; citizens vote and can hold office with some restrictions; the people have the power; France is an example.
Back
Republic or representative democracy
Front
a democracy whereby people rule through elected representatives