The two main systems of government are democracy and authoritarianism. In democracies, power resides with the people, often exercised through free and fair elections, emphasizing principles such as individual rights and the rule of law. Conversely, authoritarian regimes centralize power in a single leader or a small group, curtailing personal freedoms and limiting political plurality. Distinctions between the two extend to governance practices, accountability mechanisms, and the public's role in shaping policy, with democracies promoting participation and transparency, while authoritarian systems frequently suppress dissent.