Definition of Monarchy PDF

Definition of Monarchy 1. Definition of monarchy A form of government in which a single person rules with supreme authority over the state. Unlike other forms of government where power is shared or distributed, in a monarchy, the ruler (monarch) holds sole power. Aris...

Definition of Monarchy 1. Definition of monarchy A form of government in which a single person rules with supreme authority over the state. Unlike other forms of government where power is shared or distributed, in a monarchy, the ruler (monarch) holds sole power. Aristotle distinguishes monarchy from tyranny by stating that a monarchy is supposed to rule for the common good, while a tyrant rules for their own benefit. 2. Types of Monarchy Absolute monarchy Constitutional monarchy Comparison of Absolute monarchy and Constitutional monarchy Absolute Monarchy Constitutional Monarchy Absolute monarchy is a form of A government where the monarch’s monarchy in which the imperial is role is primarily ceremonial, and their the sole source of political power, powers are regulated by constitutional unconstrained by constitutions, laws, with the elected parliament Definition legislatures or other checks on their holding legislative authority. authority. Centralized power: the king has a Limited Monarchical Power: The full specialist to promulgate and monarch's power is determined and enforce laws restricted by law. Divine Rights of Kings: Democratic Governance: An elected Numerous absolute king body (parliament) has legislative attributed their power to divine power. Characteristics right, believing they were chosen by God to rule Ceremonial Role: The monarch regularly performs ceremonial Limited civil liberties: Negligible duties rather than governing. or no political freedoms; Dissent is usually suppressed  Saudi Arabia: The King has many United Kingdom: The monarchy is powers including legislative, constitutional and the National executive and judicial powers Assembly holds legislative power. Examples Brunei: The Sultan wields Sweden: The King's role is absolute without a constitution ceremonial, while the Riksdag (parliament) is responsible for governance. Legislative: Royal decrees and laws can be issued without legislative approval. Power of the Executive: Military and civilian King control. Judicial: Appoint judges and impact the results of trials Hold authority by A monarch (king or queen) A monarch + a constitutionally organized government Power dynamics unlimited Limited (with the monarch’s role largely ceremonial Every power and decision belong Constitution plays a certain role in to a monarch. this mode Legal systems may exist, but Can limit a monarch’s power they primarily serve to enforce the monarch's will rather than Role of law and protect citizens' rights. constitution Example: in Brunei (human rights), Audi Arabia (Basic Law of Governance). Public Limited citizens’ participation Citizens have right and can vote involvement Citizens’ right Often restricted even no rights Generally secured by constitution and law  Historical Context and Evolution 1. Key historical events that shaped both types of monarchy Ancient Monarchies: In the early civilizations, monarchies originated in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where the king had the enforcement and promulgation to laws. Absolute Monarchies: During the Renaissance and early modern period, monarchs such as Louis XIV of France consolidated their power, governing with unchecked authority under the doctrine the "Divine Right of Kings.” Constitutional Monarchies: The Glorious Revolution of 1688 in England played a pivotal role in the collapse of absolute monarchies, where the monarch’s powers were restricted by law, and political authority was vested in elected representatives (Pincus, 2018) 2. The evolution of monarchies over time Decline of Absolute Monarchies: The French Revolution (1789–1799) and Russian Revolution of 1917 were vital in the abolition of the monarchy and the rise of republicanism and socialism in Europe (Doyle, 2019; Fitzpatrick, 2001). Constitutional Monarchies in Modern Governance: Constitutional monarchies, such as those in the UK, Sweden, and Japan, have adapted by restricting the powers of the monarch, with governance carried out by elected officials (Bogdanor, 2020). Example: Monarchies in Southeast Asia: Vietnam’s Case: under the Nguyen Dynasty, Monarchy in Vietnam consolidated with its dynastic history. In 1945, the monarchy ended in 1945 when Emperor Bao Dai abdicated after the August Revolution, resulting in the establishment of a republic (Taylor, 2017). Modern Relevance and perspectives 1. Current status of monarchies worldwide. - Currently, there are 43 nations and a population of roughly half a billion people in the world with a monarch as head of state. There are 13 in Asia, 12 in Europe, 9 in the Americas, 6 in Oceania, and 3 in Africa. Modern monarchies are constitutional monarchies. - Constitutional Monarchy—Countries + Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Belgium, Sweden, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain, and Cambodia are examples of constitutional monarchies. Within these nations, the monarchs have considerably less discretion in how they use their power.  + Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Morocco, Monaco, and Liechtenstein are additional nations that serve as models of constitutional monarchies. - Absolute Monarchy + Absolute monarchy in Europe reduced drastically after the French Revolution and World War I. The autocratic rule of the Tsar in Russia came to an end after the Russian revolution. + Examples of Absolute monarchy are Saudi Arabia, Vatican City, Oman, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), and Brunei. 2. Advantages and disadvantages of monarchy in today’s society. Advantages Disadvantages Provides consistency and continuity: Lack of Accountability: Some monarchs Monarchies typically have more stable may lack accountability, leading them to governments with stable administrations. make decisions without the public’s input, This is because the head of state remains potentially ruling like dictators. unchanged over long periods. Example: The absolute monarchy of Saudi Example: From 1952 to 2022, Queen Arabia illustrates the lack of accountability Elizabeth II, the reigning monarch of the in such systems. Saudi Arabia’s Crown British monarchy, provided political Prince was granted immunity in a case stability. Article : “Queen Elizabeth II's brought against him by the fiancée of Life and Reign” Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, whom the Director of National Intelligence had concluded was murdered at the prince’s direction. Promotes Unity Among Citizens: Inequality and hereditary succession: In Monarchs frequently act as icons of order to maintain social and economic national harmony, fostering inequality, monarchies frequently select inter-regional and inter-demographic their successors based on inherited harmony. succession. Example: The Japanese Emperor plays a Example: The British royal family’s wealth symbolic and unifying role in Japanese and privileges highlight the disparities that society, transcending political divisions. can exist within a monarchy. Provides diplomatic advantages: Potential for Tyranny: Monarchs can Monarchs can act as diplomatic figures become oppressive rulers, undermining and goodwill ambassadors, fostering human rights and silencing opposing international relations. voices. Example: The reign of King Leopold II of Belgium in the Congo Free State serves as a  Example: King Abdullah II of Jordan has dark example of the monarchy’s potential played a crucial role in promoting peace for abuse. and cooperation in the Middle East. Maintains neutrality in political Limited representation: Monarchies can conflicts: Monarchs often remain neutral limit the representation and participation in political disputes, which can help of citizens in the political process. mitigate conflicts in their countries. Example: The Kingdom of Eswatini Example: King Harald V of Norway is (formerly Swaziland) is an absolute known for his role in promoting peace and monarchy where political freedoms are reconciliation during times of political severely restricted. unrest in Norway. 3. Future outlook for monarchies There will possibly be fewer monarchies overall, and the ones that remain will probably be smaller and more economical given current global trends and moods. Young people's indifference to the monarchy is its greatest threat. But as that generation moves up, they change their opinion. As a result, over the past 30 years, the polls have remained relatively stable. Example: Every time there’s a big national event in the UK, we see a spike in interest and popularity of the royal family. The Coronation was a very important day, and it illustrated on a global platform that the scepter has passed hands. It signals the start of a new era and a new reign. However, only time will tell how things turn out in the future.