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In the UK at least, though, Ralph, the Monarch and the government form a "check" on each other's power. The Monarch acts as a check on a government doing anything too "tyrannical", through the power to be able to dismiss the government. The government acts as a check of the power of the Monarch by being able to get rid of a Monarch who tries to act as a tyrant. Don't be fooled into thinking that the British Monarch has no "power" any more; by tradition the Monarch allows the government to "rule" on their behalf, but the Monarch can choose to exercise virtually limitless power, should be circumstances demand it.
In European countries which are no longer monarchies, the president serves much the same role.
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