Governance Systems Vocabulary

leadership or dominance, especially by one country over others

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

a system of government by one person with absolute power

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

government by the wealthy; a society ruled by the rich

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

a small group of powerful people controlling a country or organization

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

a system of government based on religious authority

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

government or leadership by people of ability

“Singapore prides itself on being a meritocracy.”

government by technical experts

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

absence of government and absolute freedom of the individual

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

a system of government requiring complete subservience to the state

“Orwell's 1984 depicts a totalitarian nightmare.”

strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom

“The regime's authoritarianism crushed all dissent.”