text: need some help with different forms of governments? if anyone knows: what laws are implemented, how "ruler" is chosen, when was first developed and used, which countries use it today and how it got there meanings and nationality of origin.thanks! aristocracy autocracy despotism (all i know is ancient egypt is an example of it.) meritocracy oligarchy plutocracy theocracy (know that the ruler is "god", thats about it) tyranny (know what it is, and some instances, just not who developed it.)  once again, thanks for taking the time to look at my question! catherine the great of russia was known as a "despot" leader.  she took power by conspiring to have her husband, the reigning emperor, killed; although it was never exactly proven.  she expanded her empire to rule 1/7th of the world, perhaps the most powerful female ruler of history.  she rose to complete rule in russia and she was not russian... but prussian.  look up what a despot is.  she was cunning and ruthless, maintaining total control. i had the pleasure of seeing the museum exhibit on her, in dallas, many years ago and it was quite remarkable.  sue