theocracy
What does "theocracy" mean?
A theocracy is a system of government where a deity is recognized as the supreme ruler, and the state's laws are interpreted and enforced by religious leaders. Imagine a society where the church and the state are not just close partners, but are exactly the same entity, meaning that a violation of religious law is also a crime against the government. The word is almost always used in a political science or historical context. It carries a sense of rigid, top-down authority where secular dissent is difficult because it is framed as a challenge to divine will. It is most frequently used to describe historical empires or specific modern states governed by a clerical hierarchy.
"theocracy" in conversation
History class discussion
Was the ancient Egyptian government considered a theocracy?
Was the ancient Egyptian government considered a theocracy?
Yes, because the pharaoh was viewed as a living god, making his word divine law.
Yes, because the pharaoh was viewed as a living god, making his word divine law.
The speaker uses the term to categorize a historical political system.
Political debate
They are trying to turn the country into a theocracy.
They are trying to turn the country into a theocracy.
That is a strong claim; it is more of a conservative democracy with religious influence.
That is a strong claim; it is more of a conservative democracy with religious influence.
The term is used here as a warning or a label for extreme political shifts.
"theocracy" in a sentence
Many early civilizations were organized as a theocracy.
Many early civilizations were organized as a theocracy.
The citizens lived under the strict laws of the theocracy.
The citizens lived under the strict laws of the theocracy.
The political transition from a monarchy to a theocracy fundamentally altered the legal framework of the nation.
The political transition from a monarchy to a theocracy fundamentally altered the legal framework of the nation.
