Monarchism is a political ideology that advocates for a system of government led by a monarch, who is often a king or queen. This form of governance can take various shapes, including absolute monarchy, where the monarch has almost complete control, and constitutional monarchy, where the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution or laws. Monarchism emphasizes tradition, stability, and continuity in leadership. Supporters of monarchism believe that a hereditary ruler can provide a unifying figure for the nation, fostering national identity and pride. Historical examples of monarchies include the British monarchy and the French monarchy, both of which have influenced modern perceptions of royal governance.