Economy - what provides the goods and services that are bought, sold, and used?
Capitalism |
Socialism |
Communism |
| In a capitalist or free-market economy, people own their own businesses and property and must buy services for private use, such as healthcare. | Socialist governments own many of the larger industries and provide education, health and welfare services while allowing citizens some economic choices | In a communist country, the government owns all businesses and farms and provides its people's healthcare, education and welfare. |
Politics - how is the government run?
Dictatorship |
Totalitarian |
Theocracy |
Monarchy |
Parliamentary |
Republic |
Anarchy |
| Rule by a single leader who has not been elected and may use force to keep control. In a military dictatorship, the army is in control. Usually, there is little or no attention to public opinion or individual rights. | Rule by a single political party.
People are forced to do what the government tells them and may also be prevented from leaving the country. |
A form of government where the rulers claim to be ruling on behalf of a set of religious ideas, or as direct agents of a deity. | A monarchy has a king or queen, who sometimes has absolute power. Power is passed along through the family | A parliamentary system is led by representatives of the people. Each is chosen as a member of a political party and remains in power as long as his/her party does | A republic is led by representatives of the voters. Each is individually chosen for a set period of time. | Anarchy is a situation where there is
no government.
This can happen after a civil war in a country, when a government has been destroyed and rival groups are fighting to take its place. |
Revolutionary |
Totalitarian |
Oligarchy/Plutocracy |
Democracy |
| The existing structure is overthrown by a completely new group. The new group can be very small - such as the military - or very large - as in a popular revolution. After a period of time, this 'becomes' one of the other type of government (unless there is another coup or uprising). | Rule by a single political party.
Votes for alternative candidates and parties are simply not allowed. Citizens are allowed and 'encouraged' to vote, but only for the government's chosen candidates. |
A form of government which consists of rule by an elite group who rule in their own interests, especially the accumulation of wealth and privilege. Only certain members of society have a valid voice in the government. This can reflect (but is not limited to) economic interests, a particular religious tradition (theocracy), or familial rule (monarchy). | In a democracy, the government is elected by the people. Everyone who is eligible to vote - which is a majority of the population - has a chance to have their say over who runs the country. |