I once saw a continuum showing the evolution of governments over time on meme. I wish I had saved that illustration.

I don't remember the exact order, but it went something like this democracy, republic, socialism, communism, oligarchy, totalitarianism (dictator).

The push is always toward more and more power in the hands of the wealthy, and less and less freedom for the individual. It is in the best interest of the individual that values freedom to always fight this where ever he sees it raise its ugly head.