REPUBLIC = a government without a king or queen, in which the people often rule indirectly by electing representatives who make all political decisions
THEOCRACY = a government ruled by a religious leader who represents divine power
DEMOCRACY = a government in which the people rule, directly in some cases
TOTALITARIAN = a government run by a single political party or individual, where the actions of the people are strictly controlled
MONARCHY = a government ruled by a king or queen
DICTATOR = a government ruled by a single leader who has not been elected and may use force to maintain authority
OLIGARCHY = a government where most political power is in the hands of a select group of people; usually wealthy land owners