Autocracy A country or nation that is governed by a single person with unlimited power. Examples: North Korea, China, Cuba, Nazi Germany
Oligarchy A government controlled by a small group of people. Examples: Soviet Union, Venezuela
Democracy A government that receives its power from the people. Examples: United States of America
Unitary A system of government in which authority is centralized. Examples: China, United Kingdom
Confederation A group of loosely allied states or nations that come together for a common cause. Examples: Switzerland
Federal A form of government in which several states of regions defer some powers to a central government while retaining a limited measure of self-government. Examples: Australia, Germany
Absolute Monarchy Ruled by someone who usually inherits the authority. Examples: Swaziland, Brunei, United Arab Emirates
Theocracy A government ruled by a religious leader or leaders. Examples: Saudi Arabia, Iran, the Vatican.
Republic A government in which the people elect representatives to make the laws. Examples: Argentina, Russia, Brazil, United States of America, India.
Parliamentary Democracy A government whose head of government, usually a prime minister, is the leader of the political party that has the most members of the legislative branch. Examples: Canada, Jamaica, Japan, United Kingdom.
Presidential Democracy A type of government where the leader is chosen in a separate election from the legislative branch. Examples: United States of America, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil.