Which of the following best describes a constitutional monarchy?

A constitutional monarchy is a system of governance in which a monarch acts as the head of state within the parameters set by a constitution. This constitution delineates the limits of the monarch's powers and typically sets forth the rights of citizens, the structure of government, and the rule of law.

In such systems, while the monarch may have certain ceremonial roles or some powers, their actual governing authority is constrained by constitutional law, meaning they cannot enact laws or make decisions independently of the constitution or democratic processes. This ensures that governance is not solely dependent on the whims of the monarchy but is, instead, a reflection of legal frameworks that protect citizens' rights and promote democratic governance.

This understanding illuminates why the other options do not accurately define a constitutional monarchy. In a system where the monarch is the sole ruler or has unrestricted power, this indicates autocratic or absolute monarchy, which contradicts the fundamental principles of constitutional limitations. Similarly, the notion that the constitution is created by the monarchy implies a lack of restrictions since it would suggest the monarch can determine their own rules without accountability or checks, which is contrary to the essence of a constitutional monarchy.