Editing Elective monarchy (section)

====Venice====
The [[Republic of Venice]] was ruled from 697 to 1797 by a [[Doge of Venice|doge]], who normally ruled for life, though a few were forced from office. His powers were never those of an absolute monarch, but he was the Republic's [[Chief magistrate|highest official]] and powerful within restrictions and levels of oversight that varied in different periods. The election process began with the [[Great Council of Venice|Great Council]] of more than 2000 Venetian aristocrats and employed an elaborate system designed to prevent one family or alliance from dominating the process. It used smaller nominating groups that were reduced in number by the drawing of lots and required a [[supermajority]] for election.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}