What type of government is characterized by rule from a king or queen?

The correct answer is monarchy, which is a form of government where a single person, usually a king or queen, holds supreme authority. This leadership is often inherited, meaning it is passed down through family lines, and the monarch may have varying degrees of power. In a constitutional monarchy, for instance, the king or queen's powers are limited by a constitution or legislative body, while in an absolute monarchy, the monarch wields almost complete control over the state and its governance.

In contrast, a republic is a form of government in which the country is considered a "public matter" and is not the private concern of the rulers; officials are accountable to the public and must govern according to existing constitutional law. Democracy emphasizes the role of the populace in electing their leaders and participating in the decision-making process, whereas an oligarchy is ruled by a small group of individuals or families. Each of these alternatives represents distinct systems of governance that differ fundamentally from the centralized authority characteristic of a monarchy.