Monarchy

A monarchy is a form of government in which a person—the monarch—acts as head of state within a constitutional or historical framework. Monarchy can be absolute, in which the monarch's powers are substantial and often unlimited, or constitutional, in which the monarch's role is largely ceremonial and the state operates through elected representatives.

In absolute monarchies, the sovereign’s authority is consolidated in law or custom; examples include Brunei and Saudi Arabia, where royal families exercise significant control over the government, judiciary, and security. In constitutional or parliamentary monarchies, the monarch's duties are symbolic, and real political power is exercised by elected officials. Examples include the United Kingdom, Sweden, Japan, Canada, and Australia.

Succession usually follows hereditary rules, historically male-preference or primogeniture; many countries have reformed to absolute primogeniture or gender-neutral succession, such as Sweden in 1980.

History shows that monarchies dominated many states in the pre-industrial era. The modern era saw a shift toward constitutional monarchies, especially in Europe, with abolition movements reducing the number of monarchies. Today, many monarchies remain for ceremonial reasons or governance stability, while some retain substantial political authority.

Contemporary roles and debates center on the monarch as a symbol of national identity and as a figure in religious, cultural, and diplomatic duties. Criticisms focus on legitimacy, privilege, and state funding, whereas supporters argue that constitutional monarchies can provide continuity and legitimacy within democratic systems.