Monarchy

A monarchy is a system of government that installs one leader known as a monarch (single ruler), sometimes with subordinate powers underneath them. A distinguishing characteristic of a monarchy is that the monarch usually rules for life instead of for a set term and the position is usually, but not always, hereditary. Monarchs usually act as the head of state with absolute power.
==Etymology==
The term 'monarch' stems from the Greek word 'μονάρχης' ('μόνος', meaning "one" or "being on one's own", and 'ἄρχων', meaning "ruler").
==Definition==
Although there is no clear definition for what exactly constitutes a monarchy, a general definition may be said to be a form of government in which the office of head of state is usually held until death or abdication and is often hereditary and includes a royal house. There are many exceptions to many aspects of monarchies. For instance, some monarchs are elected, such as the Pope of the Catholic Church.
==Royal house==
A royal house or royal dynasty is a familial designation, or family name of sorts, used by royalty. It generally represents the members of a family in various senior and junior or cadet branches, who are loosely related but not necessarily of the same immediate kin. Unlike most westerners, many of the world's Royal Families do not have family names, and those that have adopted them rarely use them. They are referred to instead by their titles, often related to an area ruled or once ruled by that family. The name of a Royal House is not a surname; it is just a convenient way of dynastic identification of individuals.
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Category:Types of government