Malcolm Rivera
A constitutional monarchy is a form of monarchy in which the monarch's authority is restricted by a constitution and other powers such as an elected parliament. While it is rare for a democracy to switch to a monarchy, there are historical examples of countries transitioning from a constitutional monarchy to a republic. This can occur through government reforms, a dictator declaring themselves a monarch, or a lower-class revolt. To switch from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, a lower-class revolt is required, which can then lead to a republic or a constitutional monarchy if the buildings are damaged and the nation is bankrupt. Barbados, Brazil, and Bulgaria are examples of countries that transitioned from constitutional monarchies to republics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Government | Constitutional Monarchy |
| Formation | Middle-class revolt in a republic |
| Lower-class revolt in an absolute monarchy | |
| Upper-class revolt in a republic | |
| Rebellion in the capital region | |
| Head of Government | King, who sits for life |
| Cabinet | Elected once every five years |
| May remove one member per turn | |
| Military | Greater flexibility with backup forces across the map |
| Taxation | Exemptions for all territories except the capital |
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What You'll Learn
A constitutional monarchy is a form of limited monarchy
A constitutional monarchy, also known as a limited monarchy, parliamentary monarchy, or democratic monarchy, is a form of monarchy in which the monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government. The monarch may be the de facto head of state or a ceremonial leader, but they do not hold absolute power and are bound by a constitution.
Constitutional monarchies differ from absolute monarchies, where the monarch is the sole decision-maker and holds unlimited power. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch's powers are limited and defined by a legal framework, and they often share decision-making with a legislature or assembly. The first form of constitutional monarchy was enacted with the Magna Carta of 1215 in England, and it was furthered by the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and laws such as the Bill of Rights 1689 and the Act of Settlement 1701.
In modern times, there are at least two types of constitutional monarchies: executive and ceremonial. In an executive constitutional monarchy, the monarch may have significant discretionary powers, as seen in countries like Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Morocco. In a ceremonial constitutional monarchy, the monarch's role is primarily symbolic and representative, with less personal discretion in exercising authority, as found in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Norway, and Sweden, among others.
To transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, a middle-class revolt is typically required, as seen in the strategy game Empire: Total War. This revolt establishes a constitutional monarchy with aristocracy and middle-class representation in the government. It is worth noting that the path from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy is often complex and influenced by various factors, and the specifics can vary across different contexts.
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The monarch must share power with a constitutionally organised government
A constitutional monarchy is a form of government where the monarch shares power with a constitutionally organised government. This system aims to keep the monarch "in check" and differs from an absolute monarchy, where the monarch holds full control over the government and its members.
To transition from an empire to a constitutional monarchy, a nation typically needs to experience a revolution in its capital region. This can be facilitated by strategically manipulating tax rates to increase unhappiness among the lower class in the capital, while keeping taxes low or exempting other provinces from taxes. This strategy aims to trigger a lower-class revolt, leading to a revolution and the formation of a republic.
Once a republic is established, the path to a constitutional monarchy becomes more accessible. In some cases, it may require an additional revolution, triggered by allowing government buildings to remain damaged and maintaining bankrupt status. Siding with the rebels during this revolution can facilitate the transition to a constitutional monarchy.
It is important to note that the power dynamics between the monarch and the government can vary within constitutional monarchies. For example, in the German Empire under Bismarck, the Kaiser retained significant executive power, while the Imperial Chancellor ruled without the need for a parliamentary vote of confidence. On the other hand, in Fascist Italy, the monarchy was discredited as Benito Mussolini held the actual power under a constitutional framework.
Constitutional monarchies have been adopted by numerous countries, including but not limited to Barbados, Brazil, Bulgaria, Greece, Hawaii, Malta, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, with variations in the balance of power between the monarch and the elected government.
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The monarch acts as a ceremonial head of state
A constitutional monarchy is a form of government where a monarch acts as a ceremonial head of state, while the actual governing power is held by a cabinet or parliament. This is in contrast to an absolute monarchy, where the monarch holds full executive power.
In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch's role is largely symbolic and representative, serving as a figurehead for the nation and performing ceremonial duties. The monarch may have some reserve powers or be able to provide advice and consent to the governing body, but their role is typically limited to non-political functions.
The transition from an empire to a constitutional monarchy usually occurs through a revolution or a series of revolutions. For example, the French transition from absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 1789 was initiated by the transformation of the Estates General into the National Assembly, which resulted in the French Constitution of 1791. Similarly, Hawaii transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 1840 when King Kamehameha III promulgated the kingdom's first constitution.
To achieve a constitutional monarchy, it is often necessary for the lower class to revolt against an absolute monarchy, resulting in a republic. From there, another revolution can be triggered to establish a constitutional monarchy. This was the case in France, where Napoleon Bonaparte established an empire that was considered a constitutional monarchy by some, although it functioned more like an absolute monarchy.
In some cases, a constitutional monarchy can be established directly from an absolute monarchy. For example, the German Empire under Bismarck was a constitutional monarchy where the Kaiser retained considerable executive power, while the Imperial Chancellor ruled by imperial mandate without needing a parliamentary vote of confidence. However, this model was discredited after Germany's defeat in World War I.
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The monarch does not exercise executive or policy-making power
A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which the monarch functions as a figurehead while the elected representatives make the laws and govern the country. While the monarch may have certain ceremonial duties, they do not have any executive or policy-making power.
In a constitutional monarchy, the power to govern is vested in a parliament or other legislative body, which is typically elected by the people. The monarch's role is largely symbolic and may include tasks such as representing the country internationally, promoting national unity, and performing ceremonial duties.
The extent of the monarch's powers can vary depending on the specific country and its constitution. For example, in the constitutional monarchy established under the Constitution of the German Empire, the Kaiser retained considerable executive power, while in other countries, the monarch may have even less influence on policy-making. In some cases, the monarch may have certain reserve powers, such as the ability to dissolve parliament or refuse assent to legislation, but these are rarely used and are typically ceremonial in nature.
The transition to a constitutional monarchy can occur in various ways. In some cases, it may involve a revolution or a series of revolutions, with different social classes playing a role in determining the outcome. For example, in the context of a strategy game, it was suggested that increasing taxes on the lower class while keeping them low for the upper class can lead to a lower-class revolt, resulting in a transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy.
In other instances, the transition to a constitutional monarchy may occur through constitutional reforms or democratic processes. This could involve drafting and adopting a constitution that outlines the roles and responsibilities of the monarch and the elected representatives, ensuring that the monarch does not hold executive or policy-making power.
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The monarch holds formal powers such as dissolving parliament
A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a single person, the monarch, is the head of state, but their powers are limited by a constitution. The monarch acts as a ceremonial figurehead and performs a mainly representative and civic role. They do not exercise executive or policymaking power. The real political power lies with the prime minister and the parliament.
In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch may hold formal powers, such as dissolving parliament. This means that the monarch can end the current parliamentary session and trigger a general election. However, this power is typically exercised only upon the advice of the prime minister and in accordance with constitutional principles rather than the sovereign's personal preferences.
The process of dissolving parliament can vary depending on the specific constitutional framework of the country. For example, in the United Kingdom, the monarch's prerogative power to dissolve parliament was restored by the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022. This act outlines that parliament is dissolved by the monarch at the request of the prime minister. Prior to 1918, it was the Cabinet who collectively sought permission from the monarch, but now the prime minister alone makes the request.
The monarch can also refuse a request to dissolve parliament under certain circumstances, as outlined in the Lascelles Principles. These principles state that the sovereign may refuse if the existing parliament is viable, if a general election would be detrimental to the country, or if the monarch believes they can find another prime minister with a working majority.
While the monarch's power to dissolve parliament is a formal and important role, it is rarely exercised independently and is typically done in consultation with the prime minister and in accordance with constitutional conventions.
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Frequently asked questions
A constitutional monarchy, also known as a limited monarchy, parliamentary monarchy, or democratic monarchy, is a form of monarchy in which the monarch exercises their authority in accordance with a constitution and is not the sole decision-maker. The monarch in a constitutional monarchy is typically a symbolic head of state who performs representative and civic roles but does not hold executive or policy-making power.
There are a few ways in which a constitutional monarchy can transition to a republic. One way is through a lower-class revolt, where the lower classes rise up against the monarchy, leading to the establishment of a republic. Another way is through government reforms that gradually shift power away from the monarchy and towards a more democratic system. Additionally, in some cases, the death of a dictator can lead to a monarchy, especially if there is a low republican tradition.
Several countries have transitioned from constitutional monarchies to republics. Some examples include Barbados, Brazil, Bulgaria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Fiji, and Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, countries like France and Haiti have transitioned from a republic to an empire or monarchy at some point in their history.
