What does the term "theocracy" refer to?

The term "theocracy" refers to a system of government in which priests or religious leaders hold the authority to govern and make decisions based on religious laws or principles. This means that the state's legal system is heavily influenced or derived from religious doctrine, and leadership is not typically a result of democratic processes. A theocratic government blends political authority with religious leadership, where the leaders often claim to be divinely guided or appointed.

This defines the essence of theocracy, contrasting sharply with other forms of government. For instance, a military-controlled government is focused on military governance and order rather than religious guidance. Similarly, a government led by elected officials operates on principles of democracy, whereby leaders are chosen through elections, rather than through religious appointment. A government based on trade agreements emphasizes economic relations and international commerce, which is unrelated to governance based on religious leadership. Thus, the interpretation of theocracy centers specifically on the intertwining of government and religious authority.