Forms of Government

Definition

The forms of government refer to how power is distributed within a state. It can range from democracies where power is given to elected representatives, to autocracies where one person holds all power.

Analogy

Think about different types of games. In some games like chess, one player (the king) has all control while others have limited moves (autocracy). In other games like basketball, everyone on the team has an equal chance to score points (democracy).

Related terms

Democracy: A system where government power resides in the people who are governed, either directly or through elected representatives.

Monarchy: A form of government where a single family rules from generation to generation.

Dictatorship: A form of government characterized by a single leader or group leader with absolute power over all citizens.