Final answer:
A monarchy is a form of government where a single ruler, usually a hereditary monarch, holds supreme power until death or abdication. It differs from other forms such as democracy or oligarchy in its hereditary leadership structure. therefore, option D is correct
Step-by-step explanation:
A monarchy is a form of government where a single ruler, typically known as a monarch, holds supreme authority until they either pass away or abdicate the throne. This power is often obtained through hereditary succession or is sometimes seen as being granted by divine right. Monarchies can vary in their structure, with some being absolute monarchies where the monarch holds absolute power, and others being constitutional monarchies where the monarch's power is limited by a constitution or legislative body.
Answering the student's multiple-choice question, the correct option is D) A government ruled by one person with inherited power. Unlike democracies where voters determine the government's form, or oligarchies where a small elite group has power, a monarchy is characterized by its singular hereditary leadership.