Which political system is characterized by rule from a single individual or monarch?

The correct answer is characterized by a political system where a single individual, often a king or queen, holds all power and authority. In a monarchy, this rule can be absolute, meaning the monarch has complete control over the governance of the state without constitutional limitations.

In contrast, other political systems involve multiple individuals or collective groups in governance. In an oligarchy, power is held by a small group of people, typically from the elite class. A democracy, on the other hand, is based on the principle of collective decision-making, where power is vested in the people, most commonly through elected representatives. Autocracy refers specifically to a system where one person holds all power (similar to monarchy), but it can exist without the traditional royal structure or lineage. While both monarchy and autocracy can involve the concentration of power in one individual, monarchy explicitly denotes a hereditary ruler, making it the best fit for the question asked.