A monarchy represented a form of government where a single person, typically referred to as a king or queen based on their gender, possessed some level of power. Individuals could ascend to the position of monarch either through hereditary succession, where the title was passed down through family connections known as a royal line, or via democratic voting processes. When the role was inherited, monarchs generally retained their position until death, although certain monarchies imposed limitations on the duration of their rule. The extent of authority held by a monarch varied across different governments, ranging from purely symbolic roles to being constrained by a constitution, or even possessing unrestricted power. Certain monarchies also featured a council of advisors who provided guidance to the monarch on matters of state.
The collective of hereditary royal families across the galaxy were known as the Elder Houses, encompassing monarchies such as the House of Organa and the family of Carise Sindian.
In times long past, the concept of hereditary nobility was considered a valid method for selecting leaders; however, by the era of the New Republic, this idea had lost much of its credibility. Consequently, numerous monarchies evolved into largely symbolic entities.
Planets such as Hynestia Prime, Naboo, Alderaan, Zygerria, Mon Cala, Onderon, Shu-Torun, Polyneus, Mandalore, and Toydaria were among those governed under monarchical systems.
Alternative titles employed within monarchies included Lord, its female equivalent, Lady, and supreme governor. A dictatorship bore a strong resemblance to an absolute monarchy, as both involved a single ruler wielding supreme and unchecked power.