Question

student handout: compare/contrast study matrix—types of government
authoritarian\t\t\t\t\t\tdemocracy
dictatorship\toligarchy\tabsolute monarchy\tconstitutional monarchy\tdirect\tindirect (representative)
who governs?
how do you get power?
how is power transferred?
how are laws/decisions made?
advantages
disadvantages
examples

Explanation:

This matrix compares key traits of autocratic and democratic government systems, with details filled based on core political science definitions and real-world examples.

Answer:

Category	Dictatorship	Oligarchy	Absolute Monarchy	Constitutional Monarchy	Direct Democracy	Indirect (Representative) Democracy
How do you get power?	Force, coup, or coercion	Wealth, family, or military control	Hereditary succession	Monarch: hereditary; legislature: election	Citizen eligibility (age, citizenship)	Win competitive elections
How is power transferred?	Force, coup, or self-appointment	Elite internal selection	Hereditary (parent to child)	Hereditary (monarch); election (legislature)	No transfer (citizens retain power)	Election of new representatives
How are rules/decisions made?	Ruler's unilateral decree	Elite group consensus	Ruler's unilateral decree	Legislature passes laws; monarch signs	Citizen votes on all laws	Legislature debates and passes laws
Advantages	Fast decision-making	Stable elite expertise	Clear line of succession	Balanced tradition and democracy	Full citizen input	Efficient large-scale governance
Disadvantages	No citizen input; repression	Ignores majority needs	No citizen input	Monarch can block reforms	Slow for large populations	Representatives may prioritize self-interest
Examples	North Korea (Kim Jong-un)	Russian oligarchy	Saudi Arabia	United Kingdom	Ancient Athens; Switzerland (local)	United States; Canada; Germany