Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A theocracy is a form of government where religious leaders hold both political power and authority. Laws are based on religious principles, and religious texts often serve as the foundation for governance.
Secularism refers to a principle that advocates for separation between religion and state affairs.
Autocracy: Autocracy is a form of government where one ruler holds absolute power without any checks or balances.
Fundamentalism: Fundamentalism describes strict adherence to traditional beliefs or principles within a religion, often resulting in resistance to modernization or secular influences.