Final answer:
The term synonymous with 'a former theocracy' is 'Government by priests.' A theocracy is where religious leaders govern the state, enforcing laws they interpret as divinely inspired, such as the historical Papal States or contemporary Iran.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term synonymous with 'a former theocracy' would be 'Government by priests' which refers to a type of government where religious officials govern the state under divine authority or inspiration. In a theocracy, the religious hierarchy is in control of the state administrative hierarchy, enacting laws that they interpret or believe to be divinely inspired. This type of government is different from those that have a state religion or are influenced by theological concepts but do not have religious leaders directly governing.
An example of a former theocracy would be the Papal States, which were governed by the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Today, theocratic governments are more scarce, but some exist where religious law governs civil law, such as in Iran where the supreme leader is a religious figure.