PGC (Team Teaching w/ Dr. Tangco) - Classifications and Types of Government

A.  According to the number of Rulers

1. Monarchy - single benevolent ruler.  Kings and Queens.
2. Aristocracy - few benevolent rulers, Ruling class are the elite educated.  Small council.
3. Oligarchy - few rulers, Corrupt manner.  Ruling class are the rich elite.  Small council.
4. Democracy - many rulers.  Almost all qualified citizens participate in government.

B.  According to the power exercised by the central or national government.

1. Unitary - Two levels of government.  National and local.  Central (national) level has more control over local, Constitution grants most government powers to Central/national level.  Local level is dependent on Central.
2. Federal - Two levels of government.  Federal (national) and local.  The constitution grants autonomy to the local level.  Less or no dependence by local to Federal.

C.  According to the relationship between the Executive and Legislative branches.

1. Presidential - There is separation of powers between the Executive and Legislative branches.  
2. Parliamentary - There is fusion of powers.  Executive (Prime Minister) is a part of the Legislative (House of Parliament).

D.  According to the Nature and Origin of Power.

1. Hereditary - The power to govern is passed down within a family line, also known as a line of succession from the Ruler to the Heir.
2. Elective - The power to govern is given through the process of voting.

E.  According to the identity or non-identity of the state and government with the people.

1. Primary - Also known as direct democracy.  The people have direct participation in government.
2. Representative - Also known as a Republic.  The people choose, through elections, a set of men and women to handle the affairs of government.  The government is accountable to the people.