What is a fundamental characteristic of a monarchy?

A fundamental characteristic of a monarchy is that power is inherited through bloodlines, meaning that the position of the monarch is typically passed down within a specific family. This hereditary system establishes a lineage of rulers, often creating a sense of stability and continuity in governance as the throne is passed from parent to child or within family lines. Monarchies are often associated with the concentration of political authority in an individual or family, contrasting with systems that distribute power more broadly among elected representatives or councils. This inheritance aspect differentiates monarchies from democratic systems where leaders are chosen through elections or systems where authority is dependent on religious sanction.