The political system

Aristotle's six forms of government

Who rules?

One person  The few  The many

 Who benefits?         Rulers             Tyranny   Oligarchy Democracy

                                 All              Monarchy Aristocracy Polity

The 'three worlds' typology 

The stark contrast between democracy and totalitarianism in 20th century led to the 'three world approach';

• a capitalist 'first world'
• a communist 'second world'
• a developing 'third world'.

Types of regimes that can be identified in the modern world

• western polyarchies
• new democracies
• East Asian regimes
• Islamic regimes
• military regimes.

Models of democracy

• Classical democracy
• Protective democracy
• Development democracy
• People's democracy

Rival views on democracy

• Pluralist view
• Elitist view
• Corporatist view
• New Right view
• Marxist view