What type of government is characterized by a monarchy?

A monarchy is fundamentally characterized by the central authority of a single ruler, typically a king or queen. In this type of government, the monarch often holds significant power and authority, which may be hereditary, passing from parent to child, or elected in some unique cases. This system contrasts distinctly with other forms of government where the leaders are elected officials, representatives, groups, or directly by the populace.

In a monarchy, the monarch usually has a significant role in shaping laws and governing, often embodying the state's unity and identity. This contrasts with systems such as democracies, where power rests in the hands of elected representatives or the public, and oligarchies that can be ruled by a small group of leaders. Monarchical governance can be absolute, where the monarch has unchecked authority, or constitutional, where their powers are limited by laws or a constitution. This understanding clarifies why the characteristic of being ruled by a king or queen is definitive of a monarchy.