Name and briefly describe the three forms of government that can result depending on how government power is distinguished

The three forms of government are autocracy, oligarchy and democracy. Autocracy results from governing power being passed down to one person (i.e. dictatorship and absolute monarchy). Oligarchy consists of a small, close-knit group/clan that get their power via military, social and/or wealth status. Democracy is governance instilled by the people, for the people; this is either through direct democracy (everyone votes on all issues) or representative democracy (people elect representatives to govern on their behalf).