In which form of government do priests or religious leaders rule in the name of God or a divine authority?

Introduction / Context:
Political science uses specific terms to describe different forms of government based on who holds power and on what basis that power is justified. Some systems are based on hereditary monarchy, some on rule by a small elite, and some claim religious authority as the main source of power. This question asks you to identify the term used for a form of government in which priests or religious leaders rule in the name of God or a divine principle, which is important for understanding comparative politics.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The question clearly states that priests rule in the name of God, which implies a fusion of religious authority and political power.
The options given are fascism, monarchy, theocracy and oligarchy.
It is assumed that you know the basic meanings of these four political concepts.

Concept / Approach:
The term theocracy comes from the Greek words meaning rule of God. In a theocratic system, religious leaders hold political office and laws are often based on religious texts or doctrine. A monarchy is rule by a king or queen, usually based on hereditary succession. Fascism is an authoritarian nationalist ideology centred on a strong leader, not necessarily religious. Oligarchy refers to rule by a small group of powerful people. The correct conceptual match for a system where priests rule in the name of God is theocracy.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the key phrase in the question: priests or religious leaders ruling in the name of God. This indicates that religious authority is the main basis for political power. Step 2: Consider option C, theocracy. By definition, a theocracy is a form of government in which religious leaders control political power, claiming to govern on behalf of a divine authority. Step 3: Option B, monarchy, refers to rule by a hereditary monarch such as a king or queen. While some monarchies may claim divine right, the term monarchy itself does not necessarily imply rule by priests or religious leaders. Step 4: Option A, fascism, denotes an authoritarian and often militaristic system led by a dictator, with strong nationalism and suppression of opposition, rather than rule by priests. Step 5: Option D, oligarchy, means rule by a small group of people, usually from a wealthy or powerful elite, but not necessarily priests or religious figures. Step 6: Thus, only theocracy directly fits the description of government by priests in the name of God.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any basic political science glossary will define theocracy in terms of rule by religious authorities, often citing historical examples where church or clerical structures directly governed the state. Monarchies and oligarchies are classified separately, and fascism is treated as a distinct ideological regime. This confirms that theocracy is the unique term that captures the idea of priestly rule with a religious justification.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Fascism: Focuses on authoritarian nationalism, one party dictatorship and often militarism, not specifically religious rule. Monarchy: Refers to rule by a monarch, and while some monarchs may be religiously legitimised, the system is not defined by rule of priests. Oligarchy: Means rule by a few powerful individuals or families, which might be economic or military elites rather than religious leaders.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse monarchy and theocracy because in some historical societies kings claimed divine right or acted as religious figures themselves. However, the specific term that emphasises institutionalised rule by religious authorities is theocracy. To avoid confusion, associate monarchy with kings and queens, oligarchy with small elites, fascism with authoritarian nationalism and theocracy with clerical or priestly rule in the name of God.

Final Answer:
The form of government in which priests or religious leaders rule in the name of God is called a Theocracy.