Final answer:
In ancient Greek settlements, a monarchy usually came first as a form of government. This evolved over time due to societal changes, leading to other forms, including oligarchies and democracies. Notably, after the U.S. independence war, American revolutionaries turned to republicanism.
Step-by-step explanation:
In ancient Greek settlements, governments typically developed from less inclusive to more inclusive forms. The form of government that usually came first was a monarchy, in which a single person, known as a monarch, rules until they die or abdicate the throne. Monarchies often claim hereditary succession or divine appointment, but over time, as populations and societal needs changed, other forms of government evolved. For instance, in Athens, initial rulership by single individuals or small groups gave way to a proto-democratic system under the ruler Solon around 600 BCE, though only for certain classes of male citizens. In contrast, in the United States, following the American revolutionaries' war for independence, they established a form of government known as republicanism, where the head of state is elected and power is not inherited.
During different periods, Ancient Greek city-states experienced various forms of government, including tyrannies, military dictatorships, oligarchies, autocracies, aristocracies, and democracies. In an oligarchy, a small group of elite people hold political power, which contrasts with monarchies and democracies. Renowned philosophers like Plato and Aristotle discussed the merits and challenges of different government systems, reflecting on monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy, as well as the potential for abuse in the forms of tyranny and oligarchy.