What form of government is it?
WHO RULES?
FORMS OF
GOVERNMENT
AP Gov & Politics | Exploring Every -archy and -cracy Known to Democracy
With your co-pilot Roger the GoPoPup 🐾
Two suffixes. Fifteen forms. One big question: who holds power? Tap any card to learn more.
The U.S. calls itself a democracy — but political scientists argue it's a mix. At different moments in history (and TODAY), it behaves like a plutocracy (wealthy donors fund campaigns), an oligarchy (a small elite drives policy), or even a gerontocracy (average age of a Senator: 65 👴).
Question 1 of 9 — Answer fast for bonus XP!
Which form of government does each scenario BEST represent? Some are open-ended — no perfectly wrong answer! 🐾
These are YOUR answers. No wrong thoughts — just honest political thinking. Roger is cheering. 🐾
1. 💭 Which form of government would you MOST want to live under and why?
Be honest. You can say something unpopular. Roger won't judge. (Much.)
2. 🇺🇸 Democracy or Plutocracy — Which Best Describes the U.S. Right Now?
Think about campaign finance, lobbying, who runs for office, who wins policies...
3. 🔗 Connect It: Federalist No. 10 + Types of Government
Madison feared factions and wanted a republic of "wise" representatives. Which form of government on today's list best matches what Madison wanted? What about what Brutus wanted?
🌍 Bonus: Invent Your Own -cracy or -archy!
Make up a new form of government. Give it a name (with a proper suffix!), define it, and give a real or fictional example. Bonus XP for creativity! 🏆
You crushed it!