SW Asia Government DT #1 Re-Performance Lesson

–One person has sole power in the state

​

–The ruler of the country claims total control over all activities of the citizens.

​

–A dictator often gains power by force, does not hold himself to a constitution or previous laws, and is the only person who has to “approve” of decisions.​

​A form of government in which one person inherits the throne and serves as head of state for life.

​

(*Example: Saudi Arabia is an absolute hereditary monarchy, governed by a king, and the royal family dominates the political system.)

​ A form of government in which one person inherits the throne and serves as head of state for life, but it is ceremonial. There is usually a parliament and prime minister and the government is held to a constitution. These people are usually elected.

​The British monarchy is a good example of a constitutional monarchy. The royal family has little to do with making and enforcing laws. That is left to the British Parliament.

​An oligarchy is any society ruled by a small group of people. The two most common are:

​

​Aristocracy - rule by a small group of wealthy and well-educated citizens (power is usually passed down within certain families. Ex: Medieval Europe)

​

​Theocracy - rule by a group of religious leaders (religious law is used to govern)

​

–Muslim countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia are based on Sharia law from the Koran.

​

​- In a direct democracy, all citizens participate and vote on all issues.

​

​- In a representative democracy, all citizens participate by electing representatives who vote on the issues. The representatives chosen answer to the people and usually must follow a constitution.