Various Forms of Governments - Essay Example

Democracy has certain salient characteristics to it that makes it the most favourite and also distinguish it from other forms of governments and rulings. Elections are held after a constant time period mostly four to five years. The prime minister is the head of state in a democratic state. A republic state is one where the President enjoys more power and authority than the Prime Minister. The rules of business are devised through a constitution which is either in written form or oral. Parliament is the place where representatives of the people gather and discuss local and national issues.

Local parliaments are in place on state and province levels. This is one of the dominant forms of government across the world. With nearly three fourth of the countries on earth being democratic. It is considered a sign of freedom and a level of prosperity. The relatively progressive nations of the world are stressing for implementation of democracy in those parts of the world where dictatorship and non-representative form of government is in place. India is the country with the second-largest population and is the largest democracy.

The notable feature of Indian democracy is the fact that it has never been derailed by the forceful overthrow of the dictators and Army, unlike many countries. One of the centres of attractions in Southern Asia and came into existence in 1947 alongside its neighbour Pakistan with whom the ties have never been too friendly. The last elections were held in 2009. Member of the Sikh community Manmohan Singh is the prime minister of the country and represents the Congress party. Though the rising population is a serious concern yet, the stable state of institutions and direct election of people’s representatives holds the key to the progress of the nation.

With the economy on the rise, India is a strong contender for becoming one of the might of Asia in coming years with development in the field of science and technology and education. Democracy has a considerable role in the entire state of India as it stands currently. Tunisia is situated in Africa on the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea and remained a colony of France until the 1950s. However, it did not get to have a taste of democracy for nearly three decades and was under the reign of Habib Bourguiba. He was followed by Zine al Abidine Ben Ali.

His extensive rule came to an end in 2011 when an interim government was put in place. Much is expected of the interim set up with regard to hopes for a true democracy that would be representative of the wishes of the people of Tunisia. Venezuela is situated in South America. The country is rich in natural resources, mostly oil, coal and gold. Having mentioned the natural resources, the bulk of the population still lives below the poverty line and inflation is on a constant rise. The country and its people still aspire for a true democracy with hopes of improvement in lifestyle and living, however much to the contrary the leaders most notably the president himself is aiming at a new form of socialism.

Hugo Chavez is the leader who is the lone dominant force of the entire scenario. It has been under the influence of the socialist states of the world, and most notably the former Soviet Union. The relations are quite sour on the international front, especially with the United States of America that consider the president a serious threat to the internal stability of Venezuela and the freedom and prosperity of the people of 

the country. The country finds strong allies in nations like Iran and Russia. Critics strongly believe the country is being dragged into isolation and its people into deprivation by the policies of the incumbent leader and style of government.

Iceland serves as an example in many ways. Having achieved its independence in 1944, it went out to become one of the world’s model economies and held the matters in a completely smooth manner that not only ensured internal domestic progress but an overall boost to the economy. Though it did suffer due to the recent global recession. Its economy largely relies on the fishing market due to the shores all around. However, in recent times, the focus has been on other products which can give the economy a boost. Iceland has a parliamentary form of government with the President and Prime Minister (BBC).