Final answer:
A monarchy is a form of government ruled by a king or queen, where power is typically passed down through hereditary succession. Monarchs come to power through their family's lineage, which is different from other government forms like oligarchies or autocracies.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a monarchy, a king or queen rules the country. Monarchs usually come to power through their family lineage, which is a hereditary succession, or they claim their rights to the throne by divine appointment or calling.
Unlike an oligarchy, which is ruled by a small elite group whose power is not necessarily inherited, or an autocracy, where a single person like a dictator has absolute power, a monarchy is usually identified with one ruler whose title is often passed down through generations.