What type of government is led by religious leaders?

A government led by religious leaders is known as a theocracy. In this system, the religious institutions and figures hold significant power, often governing based on religious laws and principles. Theocracy is characterized by the integration of religious authority with political governance, meaning that decisions are often justified through religious doctrine. Historical examples include ancient Egypt, where pharaohs were considered divine, and modern examples like Iran, where elected officials are closely aligned with the religious establishment.

In contrast, oligarchy refers to a government controlled by a small group of people, often from the same social, political, or economic class. Monarchy involves rule by a single individual, typically a king or queen, and can be absolute or constitutional, depending on how much power they wield in relation to a constitution or legislative body. A republic, on the other hand, is a form of government in which the country's affairs are a public matter, with elected representatives and an elected leader, often a president. Each of these systems distinctively separates the role of religion from governance, which further emphasizes why theocracy is the correct answer.