Head of government, leader of the majority party in Parliament.

Legislative body responsible for making laws and holding the government accountable.

Highest religious and political authority, oversees all branches of government.

Head of state, appoints the prime minister and cabinet, issues decrees.

Dominant political organization, controls the government and military.

Head of state and government, commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Head of state and government, commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Formally enacts laws, but largely controlled by the executive branch.

Second-highest ranking official; implements the constitution and heads the executive branch.

Interprets laws and ensures they are applied fairly.

The ability to direct the behavior of others through coercion, persuasion, or leadership.

The right to rule, accepted by those being governed.

The fundamental rules and principles by which a state is governed.

A political system where favors are exchanged for support, often involving an implicit or explicit quid-pro-quo.

A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god.

Islamic religious law derived from the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad.

A system of government characterized by strong central control and limited political freedoms.

A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.

A deliberative body of persons, usually elective, empowered to enact, change, or repeal the laws of a country or state.

Gradual and incremental changes in a political system over time.

Cause: Dissatisfaction with the Shah's rule | Effect: Establishment of a theocracy under Ayatollah Khomeini.

Cause: Economic stagnation, political repression | Effect: Rise of a strong presidency in Russia.

Cause: Imperial ambitions | Effect: Introduction of Western ideals, but also military rule and ethnic tensions.

Cause: Social inequality, political repression | Effect: Transition towards democracy, though with periods of authoritarianism.

Cause: Economic stagnation under Mao | Effect: Economic growth but continued political authoritarianism.

Cause: Limits on royal power demanded by nobles | Effect: Beginning of the shift from absolute monarchy to parliamentary system.

Cause: Political instability, corruption | Effect: Human rights abuses, economic mismanagement.

Cause: Desire to maintain political power | Effect: Increased popular support, but also corruption and inequality.

Cause: Fear of Catholic succession to the throne | Effect: Establishment of parliamentary supremacy.

Cause: Internal rebellions, foreign intervention | Effect: Period of instability followed by Communist rule.