Aristocracy[]
Rule by a small group (such as a high council).
Autocracy[]
Rule by a single individual who wields unlimited power. While an emperor may rise to power due to hereditary lines, he is referred to as an autocrat rather than a monarch because his power overshadows his bloodline.
Democracy[]
Rule by representatives elected by the population. An abstract form of polity.
Monarchy[]
Rule of a single individual who attains position because of hereditary lines. Similarly, a diarchy is rule by two, a triarchy rule by three, a tetrarchy rule by four, and so on.
Ochlocracy[]
Rule by organized crime. Usually several factions or cartels rise to power and balance each other through conflict and cooperation.
Oligarchy[]
Rule by a small group wielding virtually unlimited power for evil or selfish goals. Oligarcy and plutocracy often overlap.
Plutocracy[]
Rule by the wealthy. The upper classes completely control all laws and government positions.
Polity[]
Rule by the people. Every law and decision are put to a vote. This is the truest form of democracy, but only works in a limited fashion over small populations.
Provincial[]
Rule by the provinces (or other territorial breakdown). A provincial government is one in which each village or other unit of area rules itself and there is no central government.
Theocracy[]
Rule by the church. In this case, church and state are virtually one. Priests hold political offices and adherence to the religion is required for citizenship.
Stratocracy[]
Rule by the Military. Laws and Regulations are dictated by the leadership of the peoples Armed Forces.