unrestrained by laws or by any other power. But in a more general sense,
it is that power in a state which is superior to all other powers within
the same.

§4. A form of government in which the supreme power is in the hands of
one person, is called a monarchy. The word _monarch_ is from two Greek
words, _monos_ sole or only, and _arkos_, a chief; and is a general name
for a single ruler, whether he is called king, emperor, or prince. A
government in which all power resides in or proceeds from one person, is
an _absolute_ monarchy. If the power of the monarch is restrained by
laws or by some other power, it is called a _limited_ monarchy.

§5. A monarchy is called _hereditary_ in which the throne passes from
father to son, or from the monarch to his successor, by inheritance. On
the death of a sovereign, the eldest son is usually heir to the crown;
or if there is no son, it falls to the daughter, or some other relative.
A monarchy is _elective_, where, on the death of the ruler, his
successor is appointed by an election. A few such monarchies have
existed.

§6. An absolute monarchy is sometimes called _despotism_. The word
_despot_ is from the Greek, and means _master_, or _lord_. It has nearly
the same meaning as _tyrant_, which also is from the Greek, and
signifies _king_. These words at first meant simply a single ruler. They
are now applied, for the most part, to rulers who exercise authority
over their subjects with severity. In an absolute despotism, the monarch
has entire control over his subjects. They have no law but the will of
the ruler, who has at command a large force of armed men to keep his
people in subjection. The governments of Russia and Turkey are highly
despotic.