Systems of Government (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

Citizens hold power through free and fair elections and can influence government decision-making

Multiple political parties operate, giving citizens political choice

Rights and freedoms of citizens are prioritised and protected

Democratic states are generally politically stable because citizens have a say in government

International organisations such as the UN, EU and World Bank argue that global order benefits from a high number of democratic states

Democracies tend to favour multilateral cooperation with other states and non-state actors

Contain some democratic features, such as elections and political parties

Despite elections, power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or dominant party rather than citizens

Rights and freedoms of citizens are more limited than in full democracies

Semi-democratic states often appear democratic, with some argued to be in transition from non-democratic to fully democratic systems

NGOs such as Freedom House have raised concerns that some democratic states are becoming increasingly semi-democratic, reducing rights and freedoms

Elections do not take place, and citizens have no meaningful role in decision-making

The government is the sole legitimate source of power and is often presented as permanent

Rights and freedoms are heavily restricted, though some may be granted by the state

Although non-democratic states are members of IGOs such as the UN, they often act unilaterally in global politics

Restricted rights and freedoms can increase the likelihood of internal instability and conflict

Autocratic states share many features of non-democratic states, including limited political participation

Power is usually held by a small political elite, often centred on a single leader

Leaders are commonly in power for extended periods or for life

The effects on global order are often similar to those of non-democratic states

Autocratic states tend to prioritise their own national interests over international cooperation

They are frequently perceived as a threat by other states, increasing global tensions

In failed states, the government lacks internal sovereignty

The state cannot control its borders

It does not have the exclusive use of force

The government lacks authority and trust among citizens

It cannot protect citizens or provide basic necessities

In a globalised and interconnected world, the impact of failed states can be far-reaching

Citizens often flee failed states, creating refugee crises that can destabilise neighbouring and distant states

Violent non-state actors may cross borders, spreading conflict and insecurity regionally

The term “rogue state” is mainly used by the USA to describe states seen as threatening world peace

This label is often applied to states accused of:

• sponsoring terrorism

• extreme violations of human rights

• lacking democratic governance

Many political scientists argue the term is politically motivated, used by powerful states to justify economic isolation or violations of sovereignty

Some scholars have even described the USA itself as a rogue state, arguing its actions pose the greatest threat to world peace

Hard power tactics, such as economic sanctions, are frequently used against states labelled as rogue

The label has been used to justify military intervention and war, for example, in Libya

Being labelled a rogue state damages international legitimacy, weakens economic stability and can lead to isolation and further decline

Many argue the concept reflects a unipolar global order, where the USA acts as a global police force