A monarchy is a form of government where a single ruler, usually a king or queen, holds power, often inherited through family lineage. Monarchies can be absolute, with the monarch holding unchecked power, or constitutional, where their powers are limited by law or parliamentary governance. In contrast, a republic is governed by elected representatives and an elected leader, emphasizing the principles of democracy and the rule of law. While monarchies stress continuity and tradition, republics focus on representation and civic responsibility, reflecting different approaches to governance and citizen participation.