Types of governments
In this system of government, citizens vote directly on laws or elect representatives to make laws for them
Democracy
This document is the supreme law of the land in many countries, outlining the structure and limits of the government.
constitution
This branch of the United States government is responsible for making laws and includes Congress.
legislative branch
In this type of democracy, practiced in the UK and Canada, the executive leader (Prime Minister) is chosen directly from the legislature.
parliamentary system
This form of government is ruled by a king or queen, and power is usually passed down through the family line.
monarchy
This principle ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful by giving each branch ways to limit the others.
checks and balances
Headed by the President, this branch of the US government is responsible for enforcing and carrying out laws.
executive branch
This is a form of government ruled by religious leaders who claim to rule on behalf of a divine power.
theocracy
This term describes a government where a single leader holds absolute power and control, often taking it by force.
dictatorship
This political philosophy allows the government to control all aspects of public and private life, demanding total loyalty from its citizens.
totalitarianism
This is the name of the highest court in the United States, which interprets the Constitution and heads the judicial branch.
Supreme Court
This European political system of the Middle Ages was based on land ownership, where lords granted land to vassals in exchange for military service.
feudalism
Derived from Greek words meaning "few" and "rule," this is a political system where a small, elite group of people holds all the power.
oligarchy
This is a system where power is divided and shared between a central national government and individual state or regional governments.
federalism
This is the official name given to the first 10 amendments to the US Constitution, which protect individual rights.
Bill of Rights
This type of monarchy, like the one in modern-day Japan or Spain, limits the monarch's power using a legal framework and an elected parliament.
constitutional monarchy