Form of government in which power is explicitly vested in the people, who in turn exercise their power through elected representatives.

A system in which all of the power is held by one person. In this system of government, the ruler has absolute or unlimited power.

A religious belief system based on the spiritual teachings of Buddha. Centering on the idea of reincarnation, it teaches that people can find true enlightenment by the ending desire, which is the cause of suffering. It originated in India and spread throughout Southeastern and Eastern Asia.

A social and political system in which means of production are thought to be owned by the people as a whole rather than by individuals. In reality, a person or group of people actually control the means of production. China is a communist nation.

A group of largely independent states or nations that grant limited authority to a central government.

The philosophical teachings of Confucius centered on ethical living.

A system of government in which a king or queen acts as the head of state, through laws are enacted by a parliament elected by voters. Japan is a constitutional monarchy.

A system of government in which a nation's citizens vote for their leaders.

The primary religion of India. Based on the idea of reincarnation, it teaches that people can dictate how they are reborn by how they live at present. There is also a belief in more than one god.

A collection of religious beliefs based on the teachings of Muhammad. It is monotheistic and re