Absolute & Constitutional Monarchs Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of an absolute monarchy?

A government in which a king/queen has all power that he/she inherited from a family member.

How does an Absolute Monarchy acquire power?

Through inheritance of a dead family member or abdication.

How does an Absolute Monarch use power?

To enforce his/her absolute rule.

How does an Absolute Monarchy justify its power?

By the Divine Right of Kings which states that God has selected the leaders as rulers of the land. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an Absolute Monarchy?

To keep the ruling family in power without major threats to that power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure/function of an Absolute Monarchy?

The king is the leader of the system; all others support the King's wishes/command. Signup and view all the answers

What is the opportunity for participation in an Absolute Monarchy?

The people can only change the government through revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Constitutional Monarchy?

To allow the Parliament to place laws on the king while allowing the king to retain some traditional power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a Constitutional Monarchy?

A government in which a king/queen has power that is limited by a parliament but he/she inherited power from a family member. Signup and view all the answers

How does a Constitutional Monarch acquire power?

Through inheritance of a dead family member or abdication. Signup and view all the answers

How does a Constitutional Monarchy use power?

To only use power where it is constitutionally given; otherwise, power is given to Parliament. Signup and view all the answers

How does a Constitutional Monarch justify his/her power?

By citing the government's set of laws and or Constitution as his/her source for authority; gives up some power to the People/Parliament. Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure/function of a Constitutional Monarchy?

The monarch has symbolic power over the country while the Parliament has decision-making power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the opportunity for participation in a Constitutional Monarchy?

The people elect representatives who can limit the King's authority. Signup and view all the answers

This type of monarch becomes king when his dad dies.

Both Absolute and Constitutional Signup and view all the answers

This type of monarch has unlimited or all power.

Absolute Signup and view all the answers

This type of monarch has power that is limited by a parliament or a grouping of laws.

Constitutional Signup and view all the answers

This type of monarch is elected by all the people.

None Signup and view all the answers

This type of monarch answers only to himself or God.

Absolute Signup and view all the answers

This type of monarch has limited types of power.

Constitutional Signup and view all the answers

How do absolute monarchs differ from constitutional monarchs in the way they acquire power and in their ability to use power?

Both acquire power through inheritance or abdication, but an Absolute Monarch has unlimited power while a Constitutional Monarch has limited power through a constitution/set of laws. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Absolute Monarchs

Absolute monarchy features a king or queen who wields total power, inherited from family lineage.
Power is acquired through inheritance upon the death of a predecessor or abdication.
Absolute monarchs enforce their rule without legal constraints, utilizing their complete authority.
Justification of power is rooted in the Divine Right of Kings, where it is believed that God has ordained them as rulers.
The primary purpose is to maintain the ruling family's dominance with minimal opposition.
The king serves as the system's leader, and all other roles function to support his commands.
The only avenue for the populace to instigate government change is through revolution.

Constitutional Monarchs

A constitutional monarchy allows the parliament to enact laws that govern the king, while the monarch retains some traditional powers.
This government model features a king or queen whose authority is constrained by parliamentary systems and laws, also inherited from a family member.
Power is limited to what is constitutionally granted; otherwise, responsibilities fall to Parliament.
Justification for power comes from adherence to established laws or a constitution, with the ruler ceding some authority to citizens and Parliament.
The monarch typically has symbolic influence, whereas actual decision-making power resides with Parliament.
Involvement in governance is enabled by electing representatives who can restrict the monarch's powers.

Comparisons

Both absolute and constitutional monarchs acquire power through inheritance or abdication; however, absolute monarchs exercise unrestrained authority, while constitutional monarchs are bound by laws.
Absolute monarchs operate with unlimited power, accountable only to themselves or divine authority, whereas constitutional monarchs have defined, limited powers constrained by parliamentary frameworks.

Miscellaneous

No monarch is elected by the populace in these systems; both absolute and constitutional monarchs come to power through family legacy.
Absolute monarchs possess no limitations on their governance, contrasting with constitutional monarchs, who function under the rule of law.

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Description

Test your knowledge of absolute and constitutional monarchs with these flashcards. Each card provides key definitions related to the power dynamics and governance in monarchies. Perfect for students seeking to understand the differences and characteristics of these systems.