Monarchy is one of the oldest and most widespread forms of government. This lesson explains where monarchical authority resides and how absolute and constitutional monarchies differ.
A monarchy is a system of rule in which authority resides in one individual who serves as head of state. The monarch's position is generally passed through a line of succession, often within a royal family. Monarchies have existed since at least 3000 BCE and have appeared across many regions and historical periods.
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Aristocracy
A form of government in which authority is held by a small group considered elite.
Class system
A way of dividing people into groups based on perceived worth, status, or social function.
Representative democracy
A system in which elected officials make government decisions on behalf of the people.
Instrumental defense of democracy
An argument that democracy's legitimacy depends partly on whether it produces better consequences than feasible alternatives.
Totalitarianism
A system of government that seeks extensive control over public and personal life.
Quiz questions
What makes a government representative?Answer: People select representatives to speak or make decisions for a larger group.
Which pair of reforms is associated with Solon around 600 BCE?Answer: Male citizens could vote on local leaders, and he worked to outlaw debt slavery.
What connection did Pericles draw between freedom and happiness?Answer: He argued that freedom supports happiness and helped make Athens worth defending.
How does Richard Arneson's instrumental defense evaluate democracy?Answer: By whether it produces better consequences over time than feasible alternatives.
How do communism and totalitarianism differ as concepts?Answer: Communism is an ideology about production and ownership; totalitarianism describes pervasive government control.