Government Power Structures

A form of government in which a country is ruled by a person or

group with total power. Includes monarchy, totalitarianism,

dictatorship, oligarchy, most socialist structures such as

communism etc. Autocracy

Government Power Structures

A form of government in which a deity is recognized as the supreme

civil ruler. The deity's laws are interpreted and carried out by the ecclesiastical authorities. Includes

Vatican City, countries that adhere to Sharia (Islamic Law) such as Saudi

Arabia, Qatar, Sudan, Iran etc. Theocracy

Government Power Structures

A form of government in which all eligible citizens have the right to

equal participation, either directly or through elected representatives, in

the proposal, development, and creation of laws. Includes

constitutional monarchies and federal parliamentary democracies

such as Canada! Democracy

Most modern nations are democratic republics with a constitution (limits the power of the government), which can be amended by a popularly elected government. The USA has a presidential republic where the Head of State is also the head of government.