In the books of Samuel, what form of government did the people desire to be established?

The correct answer is Monarchy, as the narrative in the books of Samuel reveals that the Israelites sought to establish a king to govern them, reflecting their desire for a monarchy. This request is significant and is found in 1 Samuel 8, where the elders of Israel approach the prophet Samuel, expressing their dissatisfaction with the theocratic system led by judges and asking for a king to lead them, similar to the governments of surrounding nations. This moment marks a pivotal shift in Israel's governance, whereby they transition from being a theocratic society relying on God’s direct rule through judges to a monarchical system.

The choice of a monarchy illustrates their desire for a human leader to provide stability, military leadership, and social order, which they believed was lacking. This event initiates the era of kings in Israel, with Saul being the first king anointed to establish this form of government. In contrast, a theocracy, where divine authority governs directly, and democracy or oligarchy, which imply different structures of governance focused on popular or elite control, were not what the Israelites sought during this period.