DESPOTISM
The government every civilization begins with. One ruler, absolute authority, and a countryside that never quite prospers.
THE TILE PENALTY is what defines it: any tile yielding three or more food, shields or trade gives up one of them.
That is why irrigating good grassland under a despot buys you nothing. Leave the tile, or leave the government.
Corruption is high, though far short of anarchy.
No unit is supported free — each costs its home city a shield — and a settler eats one food a turn.
Martial law applies: troops in a city make its citizens content, so a garrison is cheaper than a Temple for a while.
Monarchy lifts the tile penalty. Take it as soon as it is offered.