Monarchy - GCSE History Definition

What is a Monarchy?

In GCSE History, a monarchy is a system of government where a king or queen is the head of state. 

There are many different types of monarchy. The definition has changed and evolved throughout history as populations have demanded their share of a monarch’s power and fought for democracy. The two most popular forms of monarchy are: 

• Absolute monarchy 

• Constitutional monarchy   

An absolute monarchy is when a king or queen has complete control and authority over their country. There are no checks or limits to their power, such as a government. Some key examples are: 

• William the Conqueror (1066-1087)

• King Louis XIV of France (1643-1715)

• Catherine II (the Great) of Russia (1762-1796) 

A constitutional monarchy is when a king or queen rules a country however, their power is shared and limited by a constitutionally organised government. Some key examples are: 

• Modern-day Britain 

• Modern-day Japan

Although absolute and constitutional monarchy are the two main types, there are several others such as: 

• A mixed monarchy 

  • A form of government where both the monarch and a governing body rules a country. However, the monarch has a vast amount of power e.g. King Charles I of England 

• An autocratic monarchy 

  • A monarch has absolute power, or autocracy, over a country e.g. Tsar Nicholas II of Russia 

• A federal monarchy 

  • A federation of states with a single monarch as the head. However, individual states have a different monarch or non-monarchical system e.g. Germany under Kaiser Wilhelm II