What is the Difference Between Autocracy and Monarchy?

The main difference between autocracy and monarchy lies in the nature of the ruling power and the source of authority.

Autocracy: In an autocracy, a single person has unlimited authority and power over the government, often exercising it without legal or political restrictions. The autocrat's power is generally not subject to regularized challenge or check by any other agency, such as judicial, legislative, religious, economic, or electoral authorities.
Monarchy: A monarchy is a form of government where the sole authority and power are concentrated in the hands of a monarch or a royal family. The monarch's authority is often derived from a hereditary or familial status and can be either absolute or constitutional. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution, and they may serve as a ceremonial figurehead.

Some key differences between autocracy and monarchy include:

Definition and ideologies: Monarchy is defined as "government led by a king or queen," while autocracy is defined as "a government type in which a single person has unlimited authority".
Source of authority: In a monarchy, the authority comes from the monarch's hereditary or familial status, while in an autocracy, the ruler's authority is not subject to regularized challenge or check.
Forms of existence: Monarchy has many variations, such as absolute and constitutional monarchies, while autocracy is characterized by the ruler's absolute power.
Succession and inheritance: In a monarchy, the power is often passed down through hereditary lines or elective processes, while in an autocracy, the ruler's position is not necessarily subject to hereditary succession or elective processes.

In summary, while both autocracy and monarchy involve a single person or a royal family holding significant power, the nature of the ruling power, the source of authority, and the forms of existence differ between the two systems.