| A | B |
|---|
| Absolute Monarchs/absolutism | a system of government in which the monarch is the only sources of power |
| constitutional monarchy | a hereditary ruler has limits on his/her power, for example, kings and queens of Great Britain |
| Dictatorship | Illegaly rules through force and scare tactics |
| divine right theory | belief that God gives the king or queen the right to rule |
| parliamentary democracy | a system of government in which the executive leaders (usually a prime minister and a cabinet) are chosen by and responsible to the legislature (parliament) as well as being members of the legislature, as in Great Britain |
| presidential democracy | a system of government characterized by a separation of powers between independent and coequal executive and legislative branches, such as the United States |
| Oligarcy | rule by the few |
| Constitution | body of fundamental laws establishing the principles, structures, and processes of a government |
| theocracy | a system of government headed by one or more religious leaders who claim to rule by divine authority |
| aristocracy | rule by the wealthy and priveleged |
