CIA World Factbook Flashcards
Absolute Monarchy
a form of government where the monarch rules unhindered, that is, without any laws, constitution, or legally organized opposition.
Confederacy (Confederation)
a union by compact or treaty between states, provinces, or territories, that created a central government with limited powers; the constitution entities retain supreme authority over all matters except those delegated to the central government.
Constitutional
a government by or operating under an authoritative document (constitution) that sets forth the system of fundamental laws and principles that determines the nature, functions and limits of government.
Constitutional Democracy
a system of government in which a monarch is guided by a constitution whereby his/her rights, duties and responsibilities are spelled out in written law or by custom.
Democracy
a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but which is usually exercised indirectly through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed.
Democratic Republic
a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them.
Dictatorship
a form of government in which a ruler or small clique wield absolute power (not restricted by a constitution or laws).
Emirate
similar to a monarch or sultanate, but a government in which supreme power is in the hands of an emir ( the ruler of a Muslim state); the emir may be an absolute overlord or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority.
Federal (Fedoracoin)
a form of government in which sovereign power is formally divided - usually by means of a constitution - between a central authority and a number of constituent regions (states, colonies, or provinces) so that each region retains some management of its internal affairs; differs from a confederacy in that the central government exerts influence directly upon both individuals as well as upon the regional units.
Islamic Republic
A particular form of government adopted by some muslim states; although such a state is, in theory, a theocracy, it remains a republic, but its laws are required to be compatible with laws of Islam.
Marxism
the political, economic, and social principles espoused by the 19th century economist Karl Marx; he viewed the struggle of workers as a profession of historical forces that would proceed from a class struggle of the proletariat (workers) exploited by capitalists (business owners), to a “socialist dictatorship of the proletariat,” to finally, a classless society - Communism.
Monarchy
a government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of monarch who reigns over a state or territory, usually for life and by hereditary right; the monarch may be either a sole absolute ruler or a sovereign - such as a king, queen, or prince - which constitutionally limited authority.
Oligarchy
a government in which control is exercised by a small group of individuals whose authority generally is based on wealth or power.
Parliamentary Democracy
a political system in which the legislature (parliament) selects the government - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor along with the cabinet ministers - according to party strength as expressed in elections; by this system, the government acquired a dual responsibility: to the people as well as the parliament.
Presidential
a system of government where the executive branch exists separately from a legislature (to which it is generally not accountable).
