Autocracy vs. Monarchy: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on November 7, 2023
Autocracy is a system where one person holds absolute power, while monarchy is a government led by a hereditary sovereign.
Key Differences
Autocracy describes a system of government in which a single individual possesses all governing power, with little or no checks on their authority. Monarchy, on the other hand, is a type of government in which a king, queen, or emperor holds the central authority, often inheriting the position.
In autocracy, the ruler's decisions are typically final and absolute, without requiring consensus or consultation. This can be contrasted with monarchy, where the monarch might be a symbolic figurehead with limited actual governing powers, especially in constitutional monarchies.
Autocracy can be found in various forms of government, not limited to monarchies. Dictatorships, for example, are a form of autocracy. Meanwhile, monarchy specifically refers to a system where the leadership position is often passed down through a family line, regardless of whether it's absolute or constitutional.
It's worth noting that while all absolute monarchies are autocratic in nature, not all autocracies are monarchies. Conversely, not all monarchies operate under an autocratic system, particularly when there's a constitution or set of laws that limit the monarch's power.
Both autocracy and monarchy are among the oldest forms of governance, and while many countries have transitioned to more democratic systems, variations of these structures persist globally. Autocracy often centers on the concentration of power, while monarchy focuses more on the lineage and tradition of rulership.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Power Structure
Single individual holds all power
Governed by a hereditary sovereign
Basis of Rule
Absolute power
Lineage and tradition
Variations
Can be found in different government forms
Can be absolute or constitutional
Checks on Power
Typically none or very limited
Can vary, especially in constitutional monarchies
Main Focus
Concentration of power
Lineage and hereditary leadership
ADVERTISEMENT
Autocracy and Monarchy Definitions
Autocracy
A system where one person possesses all governing power.
Under the autocracy, the leader's word was law.
Monarchy
A state or nation in which the head of state is a monarch.
The monarchy held a ceremonial role in the country.
Autocracy
A system opposing democratic or collaborative rule.
The autocracy stifled voices of dissent and opposition.
Monarchy
Rule by a king, queen, or emperor.
The monarchy was beloved by the people, providing stability.
Autocracy
Government in which unchecked power is held by an individual.
The nation lived under the shadow of the dictator's autocracy.
Monarchy
Government where a single family rules for generations.
The monarchy has been in power for centuries.
Autocracy
Rule characterized by absolute and centralized authority.
Citizens had limited freedoms under the strict autocracy.
Monarchy
System based on hereditary leadership.
The prince was next in line in the monarchy.
Autocracy
Government by a single person having unlimited power; despotism.
Monarchy
Governance where leadership is based on royal lineage.
In the monarchy, royal births were significant national events.
Autocracy
A country or state that is governed by a single person with unlimited power.
Monarchy
Government by a monarch.
Autocracy
(uncountable) A form of government in which unlimited power is held by a single individual.
Monarchy
A state ruled or headed by a monarch.
Autocracy
(countable) An instance of this government.
Monarchy
A government in which sovereignty is embodied within a single, today usually hereditary head of state (whether as a figurehead or as a powerful ruler).
An absolute monarchy is a monarchy where the monarch is legally the ultimate authority in all temporal matters.
A constitutional monarchy is a monarchy in which the monarch's power is legally constrained, ranging from where minor concessions have been made to appease certain factions to where the monarch is a figurehead with all real power in the hands of a legislative body.
Autocracy
Independent or self-derived power; absolute or controlling authority; supremacy.
The divine will moves, not by the external impulse or inclination of objects, but determines itself by an absolute autocracy.
Monarchy
The territory ruled over by a monarch; a kingdom.
Autocracy
Supreme, uncontrolled, unlimited authority, or right of governing in a single person, as of an autocrat.
Monarchy
A form of government where sovereignty is embodied by a single ruler in a state and his high aristocracy representing their separate divided lands within the state and their low aristocracy representing their separate divided fiefs.
Autocracy
Political independence or absolute sovereignty (of a state); autonomy.
Monarchy
States based on a system of governance headed by a king or a queen.
Autocracy
The action of the vital principle, or of the instinctive powers, toward the preservation of the individual; also, the vital principle.
Monarchy
A state or government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of a monarch.
Autocracy
A political system governed by a single individual
Monarchy
A system of government in which the chief ruler is a monarch.
In those days he had affected zeal for monarchy.
Autocracy
A political theory favoring unlimited authority by a single individual
Monarchy
The territory ruled over by a monarch; a kingdom.
What scourage for perjuryCan this dark monarchy afford false Clarence.
Autocracy
Governance by a single authority, often tyrannical.
The transition from autocracy to democracy was tumultuous.
Monarchy
An autocracy governed by a monarch who usually inherits the authority
FAQs
Is autocracy synonymous with dictatorship?
While both involve centralized power, not all autocracies are dictatorships, and vice versa.
Do monarchies always have real governing power?
No, in some monarchies, especially constitutional ones, the monarch may have limited or ceremonial power.
Is a monarchy always hereditary?
Typically, a monarchy is based on hereditary leadership, but exceptions exist.
Can a monarchy be an autocracy?
Yes, when the monarch holds absolute power, the monarchy is also an autocracy.
How does an autocracy differ from a democracy?
In an autocracy, power is held by one, while in democracies, power is typically distributed among representatives or the people.
What's the main characteristic of an autocracy?
In an autocracy, one person holds absolute power.
Can monarchies coexist with democracies?
Yes, constitutional monarchies can coexist with democratic institutions.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
