1. Executive branch: responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, headed by the President or Prime Minister 2. Legislative branch: responsible for making laws, consisting of a bicameral or unicameral parliament or congress 3. Judicial branch: responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring they are applied fairly, consisting of courts and judges 4. Electoral system: allows citizens to choose their representatives through free and fair elections 5. Civil society: includes non-governmental organizations, media, and other groups that provide checks and balances on government power 6. Rule of law: ensures that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable under the law 7. Separation of powers: divides government responsibilities among different branches to prevent abuse of power.