Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A monarchy is a form of government where a single person, the monarch, rules as the head of state for life or until abdication. The position is usually inherited within a family line.
Related terms
Absolute monarchy: A government system where the monarch has complete and unrestricted power over governance and decision-making.
Constitutional monarchy: A form of government where the monarch's powers are limited by law or by a formal constitution, often sharing power with elected bodies.
Succession: The process of inheriting a title or throne, typically observed in monarchies to determine the next ruler