What is a monarchy?
Q: What is a monarchy?
A: A monarchy is a type of government where a hereditary ruler, known as a monarch, is the head of state.
Q: How do monarchs usually rule?
A: Monarchs usually rule until they die or pass down their office to someone else (known as abdication).
Q: Are all monarchies hereditary?
A: No, some are elected. The most famous example of an elected monarch is the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
Q: What are some titles for monarchs?
A: Some common titles for monarchs include King, Queen, Emperor, Empress, Czar, Kaiser, Shah, Emir, Khan and Sultan.
Q: How were leaders chosen in less formal societies?
A: In less formal societies such as warrior societies like the Zulu tribe, leaders were often chosen by fighting. Kings of England and Scotland were sometimes decided by battle too.
Q: What is "wars of succession"?
A: Wars of succession refers to warfare caused by two or more individuals claiming the right of successor to a dead or deposed monarch.
