Government systems refer to the structures and processes through which a country or community is governed. They define how power is distributed, how laws are made, and how decisions are implemented. Common types of government systems include democracy, monarchy, authoritarianism, and totalitarianism, each with distinct characteristics regarding citizen participation and leadership. In a democracy, citizens have a say in decision-making, often through voting. In contrast, a monarchy is led by a king or queen, while authoritarian and totalitarian systems concentrate power in a single leader or party, limiting individual freedoms and political pluralism. Each system shapes the lives of its citizens in different ways.