Monarchy is a form of government in which a hereditary ruler serves as head of state, typically for life. Monarchies have existed since the dawn of human civilization. But while the kings and queens, emperors and empresses of the past wielded broad (and often absolute) power, many of today's monarchs perform ceremonial functions only. This book examines the various forms that monarchy has taken…
For several decades during the 20th century, communism was one of the world's dominant forms of government. At one time, Communist regimes held power across much of Asia and all of Eastern Europe. In addition, Cuba and a handful of countries in Africa had Communist governments. Leading the Communist bloc was the Soviet Union, a superpower whose global influence rivaled that of the United States…