Rule by a small group (such as a high council).
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.
Rule by representatives elected by the population. An abstract form of polity.
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.
Rule by organized crime. Usually several factions or cartels rise to power and balance each other through conflict and cooperation.
Rule by a small group wielding virtually unlimited power for evil or selfish goals. Oligarcy and plutocracy often overlap.
Rule by the wealthy. The upper classes completely control all laws and government positions.
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.
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.
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.
Rule by the Military. Laws and Regulations are dictated by the leadership of the peoples Armed Forces.