Government vocabulary

A single ruler exercises supreme power based on heredity (family) or divine right.

A single person or group has supreme power through control of the military and police. The citizens have no power.

 A ruling power is in the hands of a cruel and unreasonable individual who has seized control through illegal force.

Voters choose a president to lead the government as head of the executive branch.

Voters elect lawmakers to represent them in the nation’s parliament and to choose a prime minister

Government headed by religious leaders

The government recognizes no limits to its authority and strives to regulate every aspect of public and private life wherever feasible, without any respect for human rights.

A government controlled by a legal document or a set of principles or laws created by the government or citizens.

Actions and attitudes associated with government responsibilities and social participation. Civic duties would include voting, community volunteering

Any person who is legally recognized by the government by either native or naturalized means.