Feature

Democracy

Monarchy

Dictatorship

Source of Power

People elect their representative

Power is inherited within a royal family

Power is held by one person or a small group

Selection of Ruler

Chosen through elections

Passed from one ruler to the next, usually by birth

Not chosen by the people and not elected freely

Role of citizens

People participate in choosing the government

citizens usually do not choose the ruler

citizens have little or no say in decisions

Limits or Power

Governments is accountable to the people

Monarch’s power depends on the system, but remains within the royal line

Ruler has almost complete power without limits

Rights and Freedom

People enjoy equality freedom and rights

Rights may be limited depending on the ruler

Rights and freedoms are limited or restricted