Types of Government

Options for Canadian Confederation

Unlimited Governments

An unlimited government is a non-constitutional government where the population does not have effective controls over the power of its rulers. The people in authority cannot be easily removed from office by peaceful or legal means.

Unlimited Governments An unlimited government includes authoritarian and

totalitarian governments. Under authoritarian systems, all power is concentrated in one

person or in a small group. People who live under an authoritarian system do not have an

effective way to restrain the power of the rulers. Totalitarian governments regulate every part of the lives of the

individuals.

Examples of unlimited governments are:

Unlimited Governments

Dictatorship A dictatorship is a form of government where power is held and controlled by one person.

There are several types of dictatorships:

Unlimited Governments

1. Totalitarianism Totalitarianism means that

all elements of life (religion, education, jobs, economics and politics) are controlled by the dictator.

Today, most totalitarian governments tend to be based on some form of religious fundamentalism.

Unlimited Governments

2. Fascism Fascism is a form of dictatorship where the dictator holds power through fear and intimidation, and maintains his support through the use of militarism.

Benito Mussolini was perhaps the first and best example of a fascist dictator.

Unlimited Governments

3. Absolute monarchies

Absolute monarchies are dictatorships where the dictator is considered to be royalty

Unlimited Governments

Advantages to Dictatorships

The people of the country are united in their loyalty to the dictator since there is no competition for their trust and affection.

In an emergency, a dictator can move quickly and efficiently to take action. No time is lost to debate or discussion.

Unlimited Governments

Disadvantages to Dictatorships

People are afforded little or no civil liberties

A dictator’s policies serve his own needs. The rights and needs of the people may be neglected

Decision making has a narrow base as the dictator does not need to take the advise of others. If the dictator’s decision making process is flawed, wrong, dangerous, or not supported by the people, then the decisions themselves will not be in the best interests of the country.

Unlimited Governments

Oligarchy An oligarchy is a form of government similar to a dictatorship, but rather than having power concentrated in the hands of one individual, the power is held by a small group of individuals.

Unlimited Governments Advantages to

Oligarchies Decisions can be made

relatively quickly Each member of the oligarchy

may provide expert leadership in different areas, thus avoiding that danger from one-person rule.

In theory, the rulers in an oligarchy are the most educated members of society.

Unlimited Governments

Disadvantages of Oligarchies

Same as for dictatorship

Limited Governments

A limited government is a constitutional government.

A limited government makes sure that its leaders do not misuse the power they have been given.

Limited Governments

It insists that all people, including people in authority obey the laws.

There are effective controls over the power of the authorities in place to protect the rights of the individual.

Examples of Limited Governments include:

Limited Governments

Direct Democracy This is a form of government where every member of the society has an equal say in the decision making.

Limited Governments

Advantages to Direct Democracy

Every citizen has equal powers in matters of government because every citizen is involved in the decision making.

Since all citizens are involved in the decision making, there is a broad base for loyalty and support.

Individual liberties are protected

Limited Governments Disadvantages

to Direct Democracy

Only works when a small number of people are involved. The ability to gather all members together on a regular basis is required.

This process is time-consuming. All citizens have the right to be heard, debate, challenge, etc. It would be difficult to get anything done.

If everyone is busy making governmental decisions, no one is doing any other form of work – jeopardizing the economy of the country.

Limited Governments

RepresentativeDemocracy

This is a form of government in which citizens choose individuals who will hold power and represent their interests in the decision making.

Limited Governments Advantages to

Representative Democracy

Citizens can still be involved in the decision making process through their representatives, lobbying and voting.

Representatives are aware that their jobs depend on meeting the needs of their constituents, therefore they are more likely to do their jobs well.

Limited Governments

Advantages to Representative Democracy

It is more likely that all or most segments of society are represented.

Generally, the representatives are educated, capable citizens who can devote the time needed to solve complex problems.

Limited Governments Disadvantages

to Representative Democracy

Decision making is time-consuming. In an effort to represent their constituents or their party, members of the ruling body may protract debates or prolong the decision making efforts of the government.

Representatives do not always agree with the people they represent. Which is more important, the wishes of the constituents or the personal opinion of the representative?

This system allows citizens the opportunity to opt out of the decision making process all together, allowing special interest groups to dominate the “ear” of the representatives.