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A form of government with a monarch at the head. Monarchies were very common in history, with the monarch often being a king or queen.

A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives. Ancient Athens is a classic example of early democracy.

A form of government in which a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler. The government claims to rule on behalf of a god or a higher power. Ancient Egypt under the rule of Pharaohs, Iran after the 1979 revolution, and the Vatican City are examples.

A government in which control is exercised by a small group of individuals whose authority generally is based on wealth or power. Historical examples include the aristocracies of ancient Greece and medieval Europe.

Government by the wealthy, a form of oligarchy. Historical examples can be subtle, as wealthy individuals often exert influence behind the scenes in various governments.

A form of government where power is held by a single ruler who has absolute power, often taken by force and usually maintained by force. Classical examples include the tyrants of Syracuse in ancient Greece.

A political system in which the state holds total authority over the society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life. Examples include Nazi Germany under Hitler and the Stalinist Soviet Union.

A representative form of government where the country's power lies with elected individuals representing the citizen body. Ancient Rome before its transition to an Empire and the United States are examples.

A federation of states with a republican form of government. The United States and Germany are contemporary examples.

A form of monarchy in which the sovereign exercises authority in accordance with a written or unwritten constitution. The United Kingdom and Japan are modern-day examples.

A monarchical form of government where the monarch has absolute power among his or her people. An example would be the rule of Louis XIV of France who famously claimed 'I am the state'.

A form of government in which a few elite citizens rule; this is often hereditary and seen in nobility. Historical examples include the nobles of the French Ancien Régime.

A political theory derived from Karl Marx, advocating class war and leading to a society in which all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. The USSR and Maoist China are historical examples.

A socialist system of government achieved by democratic means. This form often results in a form of welfare state and is exemplified by Nordic countries like Sweden and Denmark.