The governance of nations differs significantly based on who has power. Many countries follow different types of government, but the modern world prefers democracy. The forms of government are aristocracy, monarchy, autocracy, oligarchy, theocracy, democracy and republic. India is the largest democratic country in the world.
1. Forms of Government
| Form | Meaning | Example given |
|---|---|---|
| Aristocracy | Power in the hands of a small privileged ruling class (nobles) | – |
| Monarchy | One person reigns supreme, usually a king or queen (constitutional monarchy) | Bhutan, Oman, Qatar |
| Autocracy | Government by one person with absolute power | North Korea, Saudi Arabia |
| Oligarchy | A small group of people having control of a country or organisation | Former Soviet Union |
| Theocracy | Religious doctrines form the basis of government, headed by a priest who rules in the name of God | Vatican |
| Democracy | Eligible members vote to elect representatives; the party or individual with the majority votes forms the government | India, USA, France |
| Republic | Supreme power held by the people and their elected representatives, with an elected or nominated President rather than a monarch | India, Australia |