Systems of government

Question 1

6 systems of government

Answer 1

1. Democratic states
2. Semi-democratic states
3. Non-democratic states
4. Autocratic states
5. Failed states
6. Rogue states

Question 2

7 requirements for a democratic state

Answer 2

• free and fair elections
• everyones vote is worth the same
• elections free from intimidation
• there is a choice of candidates at election
• citizens can enjoy freedoms
• there is a rule of law that must be followers
• representatives can be held to account

Question 3

Democratic state example

Answer 3

UK
- free and fair elections held every 5 years in which parties are put up for elections
- a secret ballot allows for equal and anonymous votes

Question 3

Semi democratic states

Answer 3

• share many characteristics with democratic states but may be lacking some
• for example elections may be held bur won’t be fair
• media may be controlled by the state but in theory there is freedom of speech

Question 4

Semi democratic state example

Answer 4

Russia
- the legitimacy of elections in Russia has been questioned for years

Question 5

Non democratic states

Answer 5

there is an absence of the key characteristics of democracy

Question 6

Non democratic state example

Answer 6

China
- claims to be democratic but the ruling Communist party of China id the only political party
- no freedom of speech as media is run by the state

Question 7

Autocratic states

Answer 7

• the government of the state is run by a single person or body
• historically, hereditary monarchies
• democratic essentials such as opposition parties are banned

Question 8

Autocratic state example

Answer 8

Syria
- ruler has been rolling since 2000
- there is strict media censorship

Question 9

Failed states four main criteria

Answer 9

• loss of territory
• government loses legitimacy
• citizens lose acted to basic services such as education and water
• loss of interaction with other states

Question 10

failed state example

Answer 10

Somalia
- full of conflict
- has among the worst human rights records in the world
- most citizens unable to access water/education
- many NGOs such as Oxfam and African Union have had major presence in Somalia

Question 11

rogue state

Answer 11

• uncooperative in the international community
• are usually shunned by the world due to their lack of respect for human rights

Question 12

rogue state example

Answer 12

North Korea
- continuous testing of nuclear weapons
- media is government owned
- citizens aren’t allowed to leave the country
- only trading ally is C