What form of government has power concentrated in a single person such as a king or queen?

• A. Monarchy
• B. Democracy
• C. Oligarchy
• D. Theocracy

Answer: (A)

Power concentrated in a single person such as a king or queen describes a monarchy. In a monarchy, authority rests with one ruler who often inherits the position. There are variations: an absolute monarchy where the ruler has broad control over laws and policy, and a constitutional monarchy where the monarch’s role is mostly symbolic and real political power lies with elected representatives or a prime minister. This differs from democracy, where power primarily resides in the people and is exercised through elections and representative bodies; from oligarchy, where a small group holds power; and from theocracy, where religious leaders or laws guide governance. So the form that centers authority in one person is monarchy.