<P> Theoretically , when the king or queen of a hereditary monarchy dies or abdicates , the crown typically passes to the next generation of the family . If no qualified child exists , the crown may pass to a brother , sister , nephew , niece , cousin , or other relative , in accordance with a predefined order of succession , often enshrined in legislation . Such a process establishes who will be the next monarch beforehand and avoids disputes among members of the royal family . In practice , there is an almost irresistible drive amongst the claimants to the throne . Few if any monarchies have not acquired and defended their hold on power through deceit , murder , war and oppression . Usurpers may resort to inventing semi-mythical genealogies to bolster their respectability . </P>
<P> Theoretically , when the king or queen of a hereditary monarchy dies or abdicates , the crown typically passes to the next generation of the family . If no qualified child exists , the crown may pass to a brother , sister , nephew , niece , cousin , or other relative , in accordance with a predefined order of succession , often enshrined in legislation . Such a process establishes who will be the next monarch beforehand and avoids disputes among members of the royal family . In practice , there is an almost irresistible drive amongst the claimants to the throne . Few if any monarchies have not acquired and defended their hold on power through deceit , murder , war and oppression . Usurpers may resort to inventing semi-mythical genealogies to bolster their respectability . </P>
who becomes king after the previous one dies in the hereditary ruler system
who becomes king after the previous one dies in the hereditary ruler system
the next generation of the family
the next generation of the family