Different types of political systems exist, including authoritarianism and democracy. In a democracy, power is vested in the people through elected representatives, promoting individual freedoms and rights. In contrast, authoritarian regimes centralize power, limiting political freedoms and suppressing dissent. Other forms include monarchy, where a king or queen rules, and totalitarian systems, which exert extreme control over every aspect of life. Each system's characteristics and implications shape the nature of governance and citizen engagement in the political process.