Theocracy

Theocracy is a form of government in which the governmental rulers are identical with the leaders of the dominant religion, and governmental policies are either identical with or strongly influenced by the principles of the majority religion.

Typically the government claims to rule on behalf of God or a higher power, as specified by the religion in question.

There are different forms of theocracy. One is caesaro-papism, in which power is shared between a secular ruler (an emperor) and a religious leader (a pope). Theocracy can also be exercised directly by the clergy (as in Iran) or indirectly (such as via the divine right of kings).

This form of government was advocated by reformer John Calvin.

Current theocratic nations today include:

the Islamic Republic of Iran
the Vatican City
Many people criticize the British monarch as being a theocratic ruler because of her title as Head of the Church in England. However, as the monarch retains only ceremonial authority, most people do not consider the United Kingdom, or any other nations with the British Monarch serving as Head of State, as a theocracy.

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