What are the differences and similarities between democracy and monarchy?

Historically, there are not many similarities between democracy, which is rule by the consent of the people, and monarchy, which is rule by a hereditary ruler. In a democracy, the people make basic political decisions, either directly or more often by electing representatives. In a monarchy, at least theoretically, the monarch makes political decisions. But in modern terms, many monarchies, such as those of Great Britain, Norway, and the Netherlands, are actually democratic in nature. In these systems, the monarch has very little actual authority in practice. Actual power is held by representative assemblies and prime ministers, all of whom are chosen, at least indirectly, by the people. Monarchs are really figureheads. So theoretically, there are really no similarities between monarchies and democracies, but in practice the actual systems vary. The monarchy of the United Kingdom has more in common with the democratic government of the United States than it does with Saudi Arabia, another monarchy.