Forms of Government

I think it would be useful to list the different ways that political power is allocated.  Here is an attempt at an exhaustive list.  If you think of other ways, you could mention them in a comment.

1. Representatives are elected.

2. The people vote directly on legislation.

3. There is a violent power struggle.

4. It is inherited.

5. It is determined by lot.

6. It is given on the basis of performance on an examination.

7. It is given to those who meet certain financial requirements.

8. Political decisions are made by some sort of random process, often believed to reflect a divine will.
9. Decisions are made by simulated combat or a violent struggle which is limited by some set of rules.

In addition to this I know of one other way that has been suggested but to my knowledge has never been implemented.

10. Political decisions are made by the mechanism of some sort of futures market.