MonarchyMonarchyQuickTime™ and a

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Oldest form of governmentEmerged from tribal systems of rule

Oldest form of governmentEmerged from tribal systems of rule

Single PersonSingle Person

Typically hereditary Usually first born succeed History has favored males as successors but

sometimes there have been women absolute rulers

Typically hereditary Usually first born succeed History has favored males as successors but

sometimes there have been women absolute rulers

GovernmentGovernment

Absolute monarchy - the monarch has total authority over the government and his or her people. A cabinet of advisers may be assembled to assist the monarch, but they cannot make major decisions

Constitutional monarchy - the monarch shares power with a house of representatives or congress

Figure-head monarchy - as in the case of the UK, the monarch has no effective power, ceremonial

Absolute monarchy - the monarch has total authority over the government and his or her people. A cabinet of advisers may be assembled to assist the monarch, but they cannot make major decisions

Constitutional monarchy - the monarch shares power with a house of representatives or congress

Figure-head monarchy - as in the case of the UK, the monarch has no effective power, ceremonial

Current MonarchiesCurrent Monarchies

Over 40 current monarchies in the world Some absolute Most constitutional, or at least limited Sometimes difficult to distinguish a monarchy

from a dictatorship

Over 40 current monarchies in the world Some absolute Most constitutional, or at least limited Sometimes difficult to distinguish a monarchy

from a dictatorship