Author Topic: Forms of Governments (Read 1226 times)

Xargos · « **on:** February 08, 2007, 12:10:08 AM »

Which of these forms of government do you think America really is?

Capitalism
In a capitalist or free-market economy, people own their own businesses and property and must buy services for private use, such as healthcare.

Socialism
Socialist governments own many of the larger industries and provide education, health and welfare services while allowing citizens some economic choices

Communism
In a communist country, the government owns all businesses and farms and provides its people's healthcare, education and welfare.

Dictatorship
Rule by a single leader who has not been elected and may use force to keep control. In a military dictatorship, the army is in control. Usually, there is little or no attention to public opinion or individual rights.

Totalitarian
Rule by a single political party.
People are forced to do what the government tells them and may also be prevented from leaving the country.

Theocracy
A form of government where the rulers claim to be ruling on behalf of a set of religious ideas, or as direct agents of a deity.

Monarchy
A monarchy has a king or queen, who sometimes has absolute power. Power is passed along through the family

Parliamentary
A parliamentary system is led by representatives of the people. Each is chosen as a member of a political party and remains in power as long as his/her party does

Republic
A republic is led by representatives of the voters. Each is individually chosen for a set period of time.

Anarchy
Anarchy is a situation where there is no government.
This can happen after a civil war in a country, when a government has been destroyed and rival groups are fighting to take its place.

Revolutionary
The existing structure is overthrown by a completely new group. The new group can be very small - such as the military - or very large - as in a popular revolution. After a period of time, this 'becomes' one of the other type of government (unless there is another coup or uprising)

Totalitarian
Rule by a single political party.
Votes for alternative candidates and parties are simply not allowed. Citizens are allowed and 'encouraged' to vote, but only for the government's chosen candidates.

Oligarchy/Plutocracy
A form of government which consists of rule by an elite group who rule in their own interests, especially the accumulation of wealth and privilege. Only certain members of society have a valid voice in the government. This can reflect (but is not limited to) economic interests, a particular religious tradition (theocracy), or familial rule (monarchy).

Democracy
In a democracy, the government is elected by the people. Everyone who is eligible to vote - which is a majority of the population - has a chance to have their say over who runs the country.

http://www.stutzfamily.com/mrstutz/WorldAffairs/typesofgovt.html

type_char · « **Reply #1 on:** February 08, 2007, 12:39:56 AM »

Kind of government where you can get away with murdering 75 people.

http://www.public-action.com/911/downing.html

cav58d · « **Reply #2 on:** February 08, 2007, 01:17:41 AM »

tedrbr · « **Reply #3 on:** February 08, 2007, 02:20:21 AM »

If you mean the United States of America, it is best defined as a Republic, as far as the written Constitution lays out the sphere's of power and procedures.

Capitalism is an economic system, not so much a form of government. And you're definition of Democracy is off a little.... a true democracy, everyone has the vote on issues, not on their representatives.

The U.S.A. is sometimes referred to as a "Representative Democracy", which is just another way to say "Republic".

Although, there seems to be efforts, or at least claims made, or conspiracy theories, on the parts of some people to add Military Junta, Autocracy, or quasi-Fascist government to the mix. "Signing statements" anyone? Secret prisons? Private military? Unregulated and unmoderated wiretapping?

If you consider the power in influence of Special Interest Groups in American politics, then the U.S.A. is now a Oligarchy/Plutocracy form of government in practice.

lazs2 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 08, 2007, 09:24:29 AM »

There were that many citizens who were needlessly killed at waco by government forces including more than 26 children.

We have a constitutional republic who's democracy is held in check by a bill of rights.

Pure forms of all the governments mentioned (including no government) are evil.. capable of turning an individuals life into hell on earth.

lazs

Curval · « **Reply #5 on:** February 08, 2007, 09:35:38 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by lazs2
capable of turning an individuals life into hell on earth.

ie No guns, no hotrods, expensive gas and no Walmart.

lazs2 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 08, 2007, 09:44:46 AM »

and having to ride around on mopeds... don't forget that. Oh... and don't forget to put on your helmet ya heah?

lazs

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 08, 2007, 10:50:29 AM »

The list is off, mainly in that you list political ideals as forms of government. Capitalism, Revolutionary, and Socialism aren't forms of government.

Capitalism is the thought that government shouldn't have any hands in business at all.

Revolution is just what happens to over throw a government.

Socialism is possibly the most mis-defined word in human history, especially recently. Socialism is the thought that you have the right to legislate over other people's personal choices. And there's a lot more to it then you think. I.E. Gay Marriage Ban, Fuel Efficient Cars, gun control, state religions, no big companies...

And your definition of Anarchy is politically skewed. Anarchy is just the lack of government. The thing is that governments have been using the term Anarchy in such a negative connotation that any mention of it is thought of as evil. The fighting you mention can happen in any form of government. The fact that you limit it to Anarchy shows how biased you are.

Viking · « **Reply #8 on:** February 08, 2007, 01:51:27 PM »

Capitalism, Socialism and Communism are not forms of government. They are economic-political philosophies. Anarchy is by definition not a form of government.

I'd say the USA is officially a Republic, but unofficially a Plutocracy being ruled by a privileged elite.

Xargos · « **Reply #9 on:** February 08, 2007, 09:33:30 PM »

I see no one clicked the link at bottom of my post, if you did you would see I did not write the list.

Guess I should have stated that in first post.

Debonair · « **Reply #10 on:** February 09, 2007, 12:09:20 AM »

i didn't click the link cause i assumed the page at the URL would be as boring as the post you started the thread withzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzz

Xargos · « **Reply #11 on:** February 09, 2007, 01:00:17 AM »

I love you to Deb. kiss kiss

Viking · « **Reply #12 on:** February 09, 2007, 01:44:58 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Xargos
I see no one clicked the link at bottom of my post, if you did you would see I did not write the list.

Guess I should have stated that in first post.

The site you linked to dosn't say that Capitalism, Socialism and Communism are forms of government. You did, not that it matters.

storch · « **Reply #13 on:** February 09, 2007, 10:26:20 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Viking
Capitalism, Socialism and Communism are not forms of government. They are economic-political philosophies. Anarchy is by definition not a form of government.

I'd say the USA is officially a Republic, but unofficially a Plutocracy being ruled by a privileged elite.

fair assessment

Curval · « **Reply #14 on:** February 09, 2007, 10:40:20 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by lazs2
and having to ride around on mopeds... don't forget that. Oh... and don't forget to put on your helmet ya heah?

lazs

lol Yes, according to you Ilive in hell.

Interestingly a great American had this to say about where I live, while on a visit:

"You can go to heaven if you like, I'll stay here."

- Mark Twain

Author Topic: Forms of Governments (Read 1226 times)

storch