| Ancient
Kingdom |
Modern
U.S. Democracy |
| Key
leader is the king or
queen, whose authority
is virtually
unquestioned. |
Key
leader is the
president, whose
authority and power
are limited by
Congress and the
Supreme Court. |
| Political
office is acquired
either through
inheritance from
parent to child or
snatched by violent
conquest. |
Political
office is acquired
either through winning
an election or
appointment. |
| King
and queen are usually
above the law. |
Presidents
are subject to the
law. |
| The
economy is primarily
intended to benefit
the king or queen and
their family. |
The
economy is primarily
intended to benefit
the people. |
