Monarchy
ˈmɒn.ə.ki
Definitions
2 meaningsA government headed by a monarch, such as a king or queen.
ˈmɒn.ə.ki
A form of government ruled by a monarch.
Many European countries once operated under a monarchy.
💡 Simply: Imagine a country where the same family always gets to be in charge, like in a fairy tale. That's often a monarchy! It's like having a king or queen who rules the country.
👶 For kids: A monarchy is when a king or queen rules a country.
More Examples
The monarchy's power varies based on the constitution.
Debates often arise about the role of the monarchy in modern society.
How It's Used
"The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy."
"Ancient Egypt was a theocratic monarchy ruled by pharaohs."
A country governed by a monarch.
ˈmɒn.ə.ki
A country that is ruled by a monarch.
The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy.
💡 Simply: Think of the United Kingdom. It's a monarchy, meaning it's the place where the king or queen rules.
👶 For kids: It's the country ruled by a king or queen.
More Examples
The monarchy is responsible for governing the country.
How It's Used
"France was a monarchy before the revolution."
Idioms & expressions
constitutional monarchy
A form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state within the boundaries of a constitution.
"The United Kingdom operates as a constitutional monarchy."
absolute monarchy
A form of monarchy where the monarch has complete power.
"An absolute monarchy is characterized by the monarch's unchecked authority."
From Late Latin *monarchia*, from Greek *monarkhia* (rule of one), from *monos* (single, alone) + *arkhein* (to rule). It describes a form of government with a single ruler, typically a king, queen, emperor, or empress.
Historically, monarchies were the dominant form of government, with the monarch often believed to rule by divine right.
Memory tip
Think of a 'mono' (one) arch (ruler) - a monarchy has one ruler.
Word Origin
"Rule of one"