Types of Political Systems (DP IB Global Politics: SL): Revision Note

Democratic states

• A democracy is a system of government in which political power is held by the people, usually exercised through free and fair elections

  • Democracy is promoted by many IGOs

  • They are considered the fairest and least corrupt form of government

Features of democracies

• The government in a democracy is not permanent and is elected by citizens of the state

• Citizens get to choose which political party or political leader will best represent their views

• If a government’s political party or leader does not meet the expectations of citizens it can be replaced in the next election 

• Because citizens have power, democratic states generally have

  • Few human rights violations

  • Political, economic and social equality 

  • Limited corruption because of government transparency and accountability

  • NGOs, civil society, other political parties, media and other actors are usually free to operate and monitor government actions

• According to the UN, democracies

"...provide an environment that respects human rights (opens in a new tab) and fundamental freedoms, and in which the freely expressed will of people is exercised. People have a say in decisions and can hold decision-makers to account. Women and men have equal rights and all people are free from discrimination.”

https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/democracy (opens in a new tab)

• Some disagree that democracy is an ideal system, as corruption and gender and racial inequality can be seen in many democratic states

Single-party states

• In single-party states, one political party controls the government with little likelihood of this changing in the near future

• Generally, single-party states are viewed unfavourably because citizens have no agency in choosing their political leaders

  • One party has complete control of the government and, to maintain that control, freedom of speech and assembly is often highly restricted

Features of single-party states

• The government can use its influence to reinforce its own ideology and significance through education and media

• Elections may occur to but are controlled by the party

• Dissent and opposition to the government is silenced

• The likelihood of fascism and dictatorship is increased 

  • E.g. Russia and North Korea 

• Some argue that having one political party in charge of the government leads to continuity and stability

  • Singapore is often cited as an example of a single-party state that has high levels of economic development and stability

Fragile and failing states

Fragile states

• A fragile state is one where the government struggles to maintain control over economic, political, social and judicial systems

Indications of a fragile state

• Control over the police or armed forces is weak

• Law and order are breaking down

• Violent resistance groups are operating

• Economic instability and decline

• Citizens are increasingly emigrating to other countries 

• Loss of legitimacy

• Widespread corruption

• Public services including education and healthcare are in decline and citizens may be relying on NGOs or IGOs to provide basic necessities

• Instances of human rights abuses are rising

Failed states

• Failed states are the most extreme form of fragile state and share their key characteristics

  • However, in failed states, the government has lost control

  • Citizens are widely fleeing the state, and outside actors such as IGOs and states may be planning intervention

• The following map indicates the stability of states according to the NGO Fragile States Index

  • Orange indicates a fragile state

  • Red indicates a failed state