**What is a monarchy, and how does it differ from a republic?**
A monarchy is a form of government where a single ruler, usually a king or queen, serves as head of state, often with powers inherited through family lineage. Monarchies can be absolute, where the monarch has unrestricted power, or constitutional, where their powers are limited by law or a constitution. In contrast, a republic is a system in which the government is elected by the people, and representatives are accountable to them. Republics typically emphasize popular sovereignty, where authority derives from the public, contrasting sharply with the hereditary and often non-democratic nature of monarchies.