Several million people lived in ancient Egypt. But they didn't own anything - not their house, not their jewelry or pets or crops or anything. The only person who owned in ancient Egypt was the pharaoh. The pharaoh owned everything. The pharaoh was in charge of everything. 

To help him do a good job, the pharaoh had helpers - lots and lots of helpers. Some helpers were members of the royal family. Others were people who had worked their way up the government ladder. Each pharaoh had an organized army, a police force, and a huge number of ministers and government officials to assist him.

The ancient Egyptians loved titles. So it's not surprising that government officials gave themselves all kinds of titles, some quite elaborate. 

But in ancient Egypt, the only title that really mattered besides the title of Pharaoh was that of Vizier. The Vizier was Pharaoh's right hand man. 

Everyone reported to the official above them. The very top officials reported to the Vizier. The Vizier reported to the Pharaoh every day on what was happening all over Egypt.

The Vizier was also the judge of the high court. If you had a problem and it was not solved in the local courts, or in the provincial courts, you could bring your problem in front of the Vizier on a first come, first served basis. It was dangerous. The Vizier's decision was final. You could end up in more trouble than you started with. But the Vizier tried to be fair. He had to explain aloud the reason for his decision in each case so that everyone who came to court that day could hear those reasons.

This system of government worked successfully in ancient Egypt for hundreds and hundreds of years.

Ancient Egyptian Government (Thinkquest)

Ancient Egyptian Government (student essay)

Explore 12 Great Dynasties

Pharaohs