What is a constitutional monarchy?

A constitutional monarchy is characterized by a system in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government. This means that while there is a royal figurehead or monarch, the actual governance of the country is carried out by elected officials within the framework of a constitution that outlines the rights and responsibilities of government. The constitution typically limits the powers of the monarch, ensuring that they do not possess absolute control over the state. This form of government often embodies principles of democracy and rule of law, allowing for a balance of power where the monarch's roles are largely ceremonial, and significant decisions are made by the parliament or other governing bodies.

In contrast, a system where the monarchy has absolute control would not fit this definition, nor would a government led by a dictator, as these arrangements do not involve the shared power structure intrinsic to constitutional monarchies. Additionally, a form of government without a ruling monarch indicates a republic or another type of governance that does not depend on a hereditary position, further distancing it from the concept of a constitutional monarchy where the monarchy still exists, albeit in a limited role.