Monarchy
A system in which sovereignty rests with a single hereditary ruler — a king, queen, emperor, sultan, or equivalent.
Origin
From Greek monarkhia ('rule by one'). The default form of government in most of recorded human history. Absolute monarchy — the monarch is the law — was the norm in early modern Europe (Louis XIV: 'l'État, c'est moi'). Constitutional monarchy — the monarch reigns but does not rule, bound by an elected legislature — emerged in England after the Civil War (1642–1651) and the Glorious Revolution (1688) and is now the standard surviving form. Around 40 sovereign monarchies still exist; most are constitutional (UK, Sweden, Japan, Netherlands), a few are absolute (Saudi Arabia, Oman, eSwatini).
Modern usage
Outside the actual monarchies, the word is mostly used metaphorically — 'a corporate monarchy,' 'the Murdoch monarchy.' Royal weddings, funerals, and scandals make global news regardless of any political relevance; Queen Elizabeth II's 2022 funeral was the most-watched broadcast of the year. 'Divine right of kings' lives on as a phrase, not as a real claim.
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