A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as the head of state within the parameters of a constitution, whether it is written or unwritten. In this system, the monarch's powers are limited by law, and government functions are typically carried out by elected officials. This structure ensures that political authority is shared between the monarchy and democratic institutions, fostering a balance that allows for popular representation. Countries like the United Kingdom exemplify this system, where the monarch's role is largely ceremonial, and the elected Parliament holds legislative power.