In what form of government does the ruler exercise unlimited authority and usually inherit his position?

The concept of an absolute monarchy involves a ruler who has complete and unrestricted control over the government and its decisions. This form of government is characterized by the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual, often referred to as a monarch, who typically inherits their role through family lineage. Unlike democracies, where power is derived from the people through elected representatives, or constitutional monarchies, where the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution, absolute monarchs can enact laws, impose taxes, and make decisions without any formal constraints.

In an absolute monarchy, the monarch not only holds the title but also maintains authority over political and social structures within the state, leading to a governance style that is often autocratic. This distinguishes it from socialism, which is an economic and political system focused on collective ownership and egalitarian principles, rather than a concentration of power in one individual. Thus, the defining elements of an absolute monarchy—the inheritance of authority and the exercise of unlimited powers—validate it as the correct answer.