Various forms of government have evolved over time, each characterized by distinct structures and principles. Communism, introduced by Karl Marx, emphasizes public ownership of production means and is present in countries like China and Cuba today.
Dictatorships in the modern day include North Korea and Syria.
There are four ways for a dictator to gain power. They can inherit it (family dictatorship), obtain it through military force (military dictatorship), be given power by a constitution (constitutional dictatorship), or through the suspension of democratic mechanisms that were used to gain power (self-coup).
Authority is held by a single person or entity. This person or entity uses oppressive techniques to keep power.
Democracy
Democracies in the modern day include the United States and France.
The Greek city-state, Athens, is known to have established the first democracy.
Has expanded over time. Originally, most nations/states only gave the vote to men.
Two types: Direct (citizens make decisions) or indirect (citizens elect representatives to make decisions).
Communism
Communist states in the modern day include China, Cuba, and Vietnam.
Karl Marx, a German philosopher, is viewed as the founder of the premier form of communism.
Public ownership of the means of production (machinery, tools, factories, etc.).
Monarchy
Monarchies in the modern day include England and Saudi Arabia.
Sovereignty (the ability to rule without outside interference) is held by a single individual (the monarch).
Monarchs (kings and queens) may have all the power in the nation (absolute monarchy) or they may rule under a constitution (constitutional monarchy).
