SINGLE LEADER GOVERNMENTS

A single leader government, by my definition is one where there is one man (or woman) in charge who controls all aspects of the government. They sometimes will have advisors who are subservient to his will. I consider most tribal organizations, absolute monarchy, and a subset of the absolute monarchy [dictatorship] to be the principle forms of this type of government. 

The major difference between the absolute monarchy and the dictatorship lies in how the leader views himself. The absolute monarch believes in his power as being from a right due to his family or position in the social hierarchy. The dictator rules by his ability to control the subject population through military or theocratic principles.

Tribal organizations usually involve very limited populations due to the inability of one man to control larger numbers of people. (thirty or fewer subjects). Beyond these small groups, tribal organizations become less stable and tend to develop sects or clans within the tribe. Loyalty to the tribal leader is not strong. 

The need for longevity often will cause dictatorships to last only so long as the primary leader is alive and can exert strong influence. Transition of this type of government often results in revolution.

Absolute Monarchies can survive due to the ability of the leader to develop a chain of succession. The chain must remain unbroken in order for the government to survive.

All of the above organizations are dependent upon the personalities of the leader and his ability to maintain strength; usually military power and police forces. These societies do not tolerate dissent among the population and are usually characterized by strong repression tactics.