Types of Political System

(Government)
*Liberal-Democratic
*Islamic
*Authoritarian
*Autocratic

Classification
1.Must have clear criterion
2.Mutually exclusive and jointly exhaustive
-Political phenomenon is often difficult to classify.
The classification is usually made based on
1.Value judgment
2.Highlight certain aspects
3.Purpose

ARISTOTLE on STATE
FORM

ONE

FEW

MANY

GOOD Monarchy Aristocracy Polity

BAD

Tyranny

Oligarchy

Democracy

The Liberal Democratic System:

A system where rule of the people
prevails
1. Popular participation ensured through: regular elections
& multiparty system
2. Freedom of association: pressure groups, trade unions
are free
3. Civil liberties: speech, association, religion
4. Limited, Constitutional government
5. Market economy
6. Civilian rule.

Islamic Political System: A system

where shariah prevails
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Sovereignty is with Allah; Man as Khalifah

Based upon shura and shariah
Justice, equality, freedom and the rule of law
Fusion of powers or separation of powers
Ethically conducted elections
Limited control of economy to enforce shariah
Entry and recruitment is relatively open

Totalitarian System: A system with

absolute control over mens life
1. Total regulation of social and political life.
Centrally directed economy
2. Single party system
3. Official ideology enforced on all
4. All institutions are rigidly controlled
5. Terror is used to enforce obedience
Anti-thesis of Democratic and Islamic systems

Autocratic System: An arbitrary

system with no mass participation
1. No dominant ideology
2. No mass party. Resorts to force for obedience
3. Less institutionalization in terms of political
power
4. Poor record of civil liberties and rights
5. Arbitrary rule
6. Transitory regimes

Recent trend
Many countries have abandoned authoritarian to
embrace democratic system
Especially for Western Europe and North America
( indicate the spread of democracy)
Reasons:
1.Authoritarian regimes that enjoy strong economic
growth
2.The collapsed of communist regime with retarded
economy.

As country improves from poor to middle income,

they become ready for democracy.
Democracy seldom last in poor country but often
works in middle income country.
Middle income group become a foundation for
democracy because :
1.They have a stake in the system.
2.Education level. (no longer could tolerate extreme
idea)

3. Express their interest-can spot bad

governance.
These attitudes sustain democracy.

Questions to consider
1. What is the most important feature of
democracy and why?
2. What is the main difference between
totalitarian and authoritarian ?
3. Why have many countries become
democratic country in our time.