A government led by an elected head is called

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term for a government whose head of state is elected rather than inherited or imposed.

Step 2: Explain the concepts

• Monarchy: The head (king, queen, emir, oba) gets power by heredity or royal succession, not by election. Examples: Saudi Arabia, and historically the old kingdoms in Nigeria.
• Aristocracy: Rule by a small privileged or noble class, often called "rule by the best."
• Autocracy: One person holds absolute power, and the people do not choose that person. Examples are a dictatorship or absolute monarchy.
• Republic: The head of state is elected by the people, directly or through representatives, and holds office for a limited time under a constitution. Examples: Nigeria, Ghana, USA.

Step 3: Solve by elimination

• A: Monarchs inherit power, so it is not elected. ❌
• B: Aristocrats rule by status or birth. ❌
• C: Autocrats seize or hold power without the people's choice. ❌
• D: A republic has an elected head of state. ✅

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is D. republic.

💡 Exam Tip: Link the word "republic" with "res publica" (Latin for "public affair"), meaning power belongs to the people. Whenever you see "elected head," think republic. Whenever you see "hereditary," think monarchy.