What is the defining trait of a monarchy?

A monarchy is characterized primarily by its governance structure, which is led by a king or queen. This form of government is distinguished by the central role of a royal figure who typically inherits their position, often through familial lineage. In a monarchy, the authority and power to govern are centralized in one individual, unlike systems where leadership is determined through elections or military appointments.

The attributes of a monarchy can vary widely; for instance, it can be absolute, granting the monarch nearly unrestricted control, or constitutional, where the monarch's powers are regulated by a constitution or laws in conjunction with other governing bodies. However, the fundamental defining trait remains the singular leadership of a monarch, setting it apart from other forms of governance where power is distributed among elected officials, military leaders, or councils.