Understanding terms of Rule

When we study history and political science, we come across these common terms describing a particular type of power or rule. Here , we discuss such topics. A basic explanation is given along with links , for those who require advanced information.


Matriarchal


Rule of female members, domination of mother; wife or sister. In such society decisions are taken by women. They have more power and authority in society. And more importantly, inheritance is passed to female members.

http://www.saunalahti.fi/penelope/Feminism/KhasiGaro.html

This link provides details of contemporary matriarchal society
Patriarchal Rule of male members, domination of father; brother or husband. In such society women are given less importance especially in fields of power and authority. Here, men inherited the property.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarchy

Manorialism

This rule was predominant in middle ages. The definition of manorialism is the system by which the Lord of the Manor exploited the serfs or tenants who worked his estate, or fief. Manorialism extended the concept of the feudal fief, or fiefdom, as a principal land owner, or lord of a Manor. The Manor House was the main dwelling on the Lord of the Manor's estate.

http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/manorialism.htm

Feudalism

Feudalism is the rule of feudal lords or the rich powerful people who handled all lands. Serfs worked on those lands and were perpetually exploited by their feudal lords. Feudalism is very much similar to Manorialism. Feudalism was introduced in England during medieval time.

http://www.historyonthenet.com/Medieval_Life/feudalism.htm

This link provide detailed information on Feudalism

Oligarchy

This is a rule by rich and powerful people of that particular place or organization. When the decisions and power is exerted( mostly unlawfully) by such people it is rule of oligarchy


http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/government/oligarchy.htm

Monarchy

A monarchy is a governmental system in which the head of state is a single person. Typically, the position is hereditary, as is the case with famous monarchies like that of the United Kingdom. Originally, the term was used to refer to a system of government in which the monarch had absolute authority, but the term has evolved to encompass any country with a hereditary head of state, regardless as to how much power is vested in the head of state.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-monarchy.htm

Dictatorship

Dictatorship is a rule by a single person. This person issues commands or orders that needs to be blindly followed. Dictatorship has evolved as a negative term, denoting misuse of power and exploitation of common people. Best example of dictatorship rule is Hitler’s rule in Germany

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dictatorship