Anthropologists generally recognize four kinds of political systems, two of which are un-centralized and two of which are centralized. Un-centralized systems include band societies and tribes. Bands can be small family groups, clans of no more than 50 folks are relatively temporary. Tribes are larger and consist of many families seeking permanence. 

A sovereign state and a chiefdom are centralized governments. A chiefdom is more complex than a tribe or a band society, and less complex than a state or a civilization. It is characterized by pervasive inequality and a centralization of authority. A single lineage or family of the elite class becomes the ruling elite of the chiefdom. Complex chiefdoms have two or even three tiers of political hierarchy. A sovereign state is a state with a permanent population, a defined territory, a government and the capacity to enter into relations with other sovereign states.

Supranational political systems are created by independent nations to reach a common goal or gain strength from forming an alliance.

Empires are widespread states or communities under a single rule. They are characterized by the ruler's desire for unanimous religious affiliation or posing as a threat to other empires in times of war. Empires often make considerable progress in ways of democratic structures, creating and building city infrastructures, and maintaining civility within the diverse communities. Because of the intricate organization of the empires, they were often able to hold a large majority of power on a universal level.

Leagues are international organizations composed of states coming together for a single common purpose. In this way leagues are different from empires, as they only seek to fulfill a single goal. Often leagues are formed on the brink of a military or economic downfall. Meetings and hearings are conducted in a neutral location with representatives of all involved nations present.