Kingdom of Scotland

The Kingdom of Scotland, especially during the early medieval period, operated under an elective monarchy system. This meant that instead of a king being chosen based solely on hereditary succession, noble families and influential leaders voted for a monarch from among eligible candidates, often from a royal lineage. While this allowed for some democratic input, it could also lead to power struggles and conflicts among clans. Over time, this system shifted towards a more hereditary monarchy, where kings were typically succeeded by their firstborn sons, solidifying traditional lines of succession.