Elective kingship is a system of governance where a king is chosen by a vote or consensus rather than inheriting the throne through family lineage. This practice allows for the selection of a ruler based on merit, capability, or the approval of the nobility, rather than solely on birthright. Historically, elective kingship has been seen in various cultures, such as in the Holy Roman Empire and among the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This system can lead to a more representative form of leadership, but it may also result in political instability and power struggles among competing factions.