<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
the next generation of the family