Forms of Government

Many different forms of government have existed throughout civilization. Theocracy, dictatorships, democracy, and many others have all had periods of time where they reigned as the government of choice. Arguments could be made in favor of each form of government. The key to finding the most viable form of government is to consider this: which form of government provides the most stability for the state?

The stability of the state is based upon the foundation of the government. Shaky foundations lead to short-lived or miserable nations. Governments based upon religion, birthrights, or one man generally do not have solid foundations. The greatest foundation a government can have is the support of its citizens. Governments which cater to their citizen’s will and needs receive their support. This is the basis of the social contract. When a population feels that their needs are being met, they feel they must honor their social contract. Honoring this contract may be paying taxes, supporting the military, voting, performing community service, or anything the government requires of its citizen. The opposite is true for when the government fails to meet these needs. Historically, in the absence of a stable government, citizens initially begin to stop supporting the government, start calling for a new government, and eventually revolt. A current example of this is the ongoing situation in Libya. Because the current government there, headed by Muammar Gaddafi, has placed the welfare and will of its citizens below that of the politicians that run the country, unrest amongst the citizens has paved the way to calls for democracy, a type of government in which the people are given a voice. Since these calls have gone unanswered, the situati...

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...ly the same for both mediocrity and excellence. Capitalism “capitalizes” on the hard work and innovation citizens can bring to the economy. This drive elevates the economy to higher levels adding to the stability of the government.

Ultimately, a government cannot exist for any significant amount of time without support from its people. Although I and others may have an opinion of the greatest current form of government, the answer is ever changing. The truth is, government works if the people under it believe that it does and supports it. Citizens are the pillars which give support and stability to any government. In recent years, political situations around the world have exemplified this point. Governments are made to support its people and when it fulfills that role, it is stable, successful, and has longevity.

Works Cited

Introduction to Political Science