Governance Systems Vocabulary

leadership or dominance, especially by one country over others

“American hegemony in global affairs has been challenged in recent decades.”

Origin: Greek hēgemonia `leadership`, from hēgemōn `leader`

a system of government by one person with absolute power

“The country descended into autocracy after the military coup.”

Origin: Greek autokrateia, from autos `self` + kratos `power`

government by the wealthy; a society ruled by the rich

“Critics argue that campaign finance laws have created a plutocracy.”

Origin: Greek ploutokratia, from ploutos `wealth` + -kratia `rule`

a small group of powerful people controlling a country or organization

“The nation was effectively an oligarchy controlled by a few families.”

Origin: Greek oligarkhia, from oligos `few` + arkhein `to rule`

a system of government based on religious authority

“The medieval theocracy placed the Pope above secular rulers.”

Origin: Greek theokratia, from theos `god` + -kratia `rule`

government or leadership by people of ability

“Singapore prides itself on being a meritocracy.”

Origin: Latin meritus `deserved` + Greek -kratia `rule`, coined 1958

government by technical experts

“Some advocate for technocracy in managing complex issues like climate change.”

Origin: Greek tekhnē `art, skill` + -kratia `rule`, coined early 20th century

absence of government and absolute freedom of the individual

“The collapse of order led to anarchy in the streets.”

Origin: Greek anarkhia `without a ruler`, from an- `without` + arkhos `ruler`

a system of government requiring complete subservience to the state

“Orwell's 1984 depicts a totalitarian nightmare.”

Origin: Italian totalitario, from totale `total`, coined by Mussolini in 1920s

strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom

“The regime's authoritarianism crushed all dissent.”

Origin: Latin auctoritas `authority`, from auctor `originator, promoter`