POLİTİKA BİLİMİ

There are different organizational structures, and different sizes, of democracies. The Economist identifies democracies as: full democracy (examples: Norway and Canada); flawed democracy (examples: United States and France); as hybrid regime (for example Pakistan); or as authoritarian democracy (examples: Russia and China) (Economist, 2015). Each type of democracy represents a different perspective on structure and practice.

An individual’s political ideals may be classified as: libertarian - minimal government influence on behavior, or as authoritarian - acceptance of full government influence expecting strict controls for the sake of safety and security.Conservatives believe that stability comes from fixed, unchanging rules, while progressives have a more progressive attitude, accepting responsibility for their own behavior and that government rules would adapt to accommodate social change over time.

The parliamentary system of government was created in the United Kingdom. All similar parliamentary governments are referred to as Westminster Parliamentary systems. In such systems the citizens directly elect members of the legislative body. The elected members of the parliament then choose from among the leading political party who will be the Prime Minister with executive functions. Unlike in the United States, where the constitution is a permanent document stating the rules for government, the UK parliamentary system does not have a codified constitution. Its rules for government are included in various documents and in the decisions by courts of law. In the Westminster parliamentary system in the United Kingdom, if Parliament loses confidence in the Prime Minister, it can cast a vote of “no confidence” and replace him or her

Aristotle’s Six Forms of Government: Monarchy - rule by one, Aristocracy - rule by the best, Democracy - people power, Tyranny - usurping ruler, Oligarchy - rule by the few, Ochlocracy - mob power

As the supreme decision-making body in Sweden, the unicameral Riksdag is responsible for amending the constitution, appointing government officials, and enacting laws.

An oligarchy is a form of government by a few with a continuous base of power through privilege or through corruption. Power may be limited to political parties, individuals, or wealthy groups. The results of action from this government focus on self-preservation and retention of a base for total power. Aristotle referred to oligarchy as when a government that should be under its control is influenced not for the good of the total society, but instead for a small group of powerful individuals. Aristocracy also refers to rule by a few but they usually have a strong desire to serve their citizens. Oligarchs serve only themselves.

An oligarchy is a form of government by a few with a continuous base of power through privilege or through corruption. Power may be limited to political parties, individuals, or wealthy groups. The results of action from this government focus on self-preservation and retention of a base for total power. Aristotle referred to oligarchy as when a government that should be under its control is influenced not for the good of the total society, but instead for a small group of powerful individuals.

For an example of what might be classified as a stratocracy we turn to today’s Egypt where elected leadership comes from its military leader, who while renouncing his military title, has ruled the country as expected from militant intent. Public criticism of leadership is banned, political opposition is practically nonexistent, and civil society activists can face prosecution--possibly imprisonment.

Early proponents of democracy emphasized the role of an educated public if governance was to be influenced by popular voting and citizen participation. The more sophisticated a democracy becomes, the more difficulty its citizens face to understand the many political issues. This can lead to indifference or even to a refusal to participate. On the other hand it can open political decision making to a public that is ill-informed and likely to support poor policy.

It was not until the end of the Renaissance that signs of revolution in the name of citizen rights under natural law appear both in Europe and in the British colonies in North America. Philosophical writers from the period, most notably John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Thomas Paine, wrote that all people deserve the rights and liberties permitted under Natural Law.

Government is parliamentary in Great Britain .

The Economist defines democracy in Canada as full democracy

The Economist defines democracy in Pakistan as hybrid regime.

Winston Churchill argued that “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.”

Women in Switzerland received their right to vote in government decision making in 1971.

Citizens determine government through indirect voting.

Citizens are cut off from the process of governing. There are usually few civil liberties and little support for social services in a hybrid democracy. Hybrid regimes can be found mostly in developing countries. These democracies combine citizen participation (frequent and direct elections) with an autocratic style of leadership (leaders decisions cannot be questioned).

The Westminster Parliamentary system established in Great Britain.

Oligarchy is a form of government by a few with a continuous base of power through privilege or through corruption.

Stratocracy is a form of government headed by military chiefs.