A monarchy is a form of government where a single ruler, often a king or queen, holds sovereign authority. It can be **absolute**, where the monarch wields substantial power, or **constitutional**, where their powers are limited by law or parliamentary systems. Politically, monarchies function by maintaining traditional **hierarchies** and often require loyalty from subjects. The ruler’s role typically involves the ceremonial or political representation of the state and ensuring stability through a consolidation of national identity and governance.