The Roman Republic's Mixed Constitution: An examination of the balance of power between the consuls (monarchical element), the Senate (aristocratic element), and the popular assemblies (democratic element).

Sparta's Dual Monarchy and Oligarchy: Detailing the peculiar system of two kings and the powerful council of elders (Gerousia) and Ephors, focusing on its stability and emphasis on military structure.

The Chinese Bureaucracy (Han Dynasty): Analyzing the early, merit-based system of governance managed by educated scholar-officials that lasted for millennia, contrasting it with hereditary European systems.

The Inca Empire's Centralized Planning (Mita System): Exploring how the Inca managed a vast, diverse empire without a sophisticated writing system, relying instead on compulsory public service (Mita) and detailed record-keeping (Quipu).

Defining "Effective": A discussion on how effectiveness is measured—whether by longevity, territorial control, stability, or the welfare of its citizens.