Elective monarchy is a system of governance where a monarch is not determined by hereditary succession but is instead chosen through an election process. This election can involve a specific group of electors, such as nobles or representatives, who have the authority to select the new monarch. In this system, the elected monarch may serve for a fixed term or until death, and their authority can vary based on the laws of the state. Historical examples of elective monarchies include the Holy Roman Empire and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, where the ruling power was determined by a vote rather than lineage.