DIFFERENT TYPES OF GOVERNMENT

Monarchy: It is a hereditary form of government in which a single ruler (king/queen, emperor) rules the country. It was the most common form of government during the medieval period. Today there are few monarchies left in the world. Examples: An example of a monarchy is that which presently rules over Britain and is headed up by the Queen Elizabeth II, other is Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Oligarchy: It is a form of government in which a small group of people holds all the power. Examples: ancient Rome, South Africa when it was ruled only by the whites.

Theocracy: It is a form of government in which a group of religious leaders rules in the name of god and where governance is based on the tenets of that religion. Examples: Iran, Vatican City.

Dictatorship: It is a form of government where a single person or group of people, who have seized power by force, rule (often military dictatorship). This means that the ruler or party has complete control. Examples: Germany under Hitler, President Xi Jinping of China, King Abdullah Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.

Democracy: It is a form of government in which the people govern the country, sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly through their elected representatives. Examples: Brazil, United States of America.