INTRODUCTION TO UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT: Foundations of Government Categories of Government According to Number of Rulers: Overview

In their writings, Plato and Aristotle described and analyzed the state in terms of autocracy, oligarchy, and democracy—the rule of one, several, or many. Both Plato and Aristotle advocated the type of government that was ruled by an educated elite, that is, an aristocracy; however, throughout the city-states of Greece they observed all forms of government. Still used today, these categories are outlined below.

Autocracy

The power and authority to rule are in the hands of a single individual. Sovereignty is in the hands of one—the king, queen, AUTOCRACY emperor, tsar, dictator, etc.

Totalitarian Monarchy Dictatorship

Power usually Power usually inherited acquired by force

Oligarchy

A small group holds the power to govern. The power is derived from wealth, military power, social position, education, or OLIGARCHY some combination of these. Sovereignty is in the hands of a few. Communist Aristocracy Military Junta Totalitarianism

Power derived from Power derived from Power claimed to be wealth, education, military strength derived from people, and/or social position but actually in hands of a few

Democracy

A government in which the people hold the power to rule, either directly or through elected officials, i.e., “rule by DEMOCRACY the ruled.” Sovereignty is in the hands of the people. Direct Representative Democracy Democracy

Power derived Power derived from directly from the the people through people elected representatives

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