How are heads of government chosen in democracies and authoritarian systems?

In political science, the selection of a head of government varies significantly based on the nature of the political system.12

Democracies

In democratic systems, the head of government is typically chosen through elections. This may occur via direct popular vote or indirect methods, such as the U.S. Electoral College. In many parliamentary systems, the prime minister assumes office by leading a political party that secures a plurality of legislative seats. While some leaders are democratically elected, they may later undermine democratic institutions to consolidate power, a phenomenon known as authoritarian populism.13

Authoritarian Systems

In authoritarian regimes, the selection process is generally closed to the public. Methods include:1
* Heredity: Common in monarchies, where the position is passed down within a royal family.12
* Appointment or Self-Appointment: Frequently seen in military dictatorships, where military leaders seize or distribute executive power.1
* Party Dominance: In single-party states, the head of the party often serves as the head of government.1
* Force: Succession may be determined by the use of power to displace incumbents.2

Many modern authoritarian regimes hold staged elections to create a facade of legitimacy, though these processes are often manipulated to ensure the incumbent's victory.3