Monarchy are those political systems that are typically headed by a single person, known as a monarch (such as a king, queen, emperor, or sultan), whose power and position are usually passed down through their family across generations, often based on hereditary principles. In a monarchy, the monarch may hold absolute power (absolute monarchy) or their power may be limited by a constitution or other governing bodies (constitutional monarchy). Historically, monarchy was a prevalent form of government in many parts of the world, and while many monarchies have been replaced by other forms of government, some still exist today, often playing a symbolic or ceremonial role rather than wielding significant political power. The study of monarchies in political sociology examines their historical evolution, their different forms and functions, and their role in shaping political systems and social structures.