Theocracy

A system of government in which the religious establishment of a country forms the government on behalf of God or a higher power, as specified by the religion in question.

There are different forms of theocracy. The most classical one is caesaro-papism, in which power is shared between a secular ruler (eg an emperor) and a religious leader (eg a pope). Theocracy can also be exercised directly by the clergy (eg Iran) or indirectly (see the divine right of kings).