Omar Bennett
Monarchy is a form of government that dictates that the right to rule is inherited by birth by a single ruler. The abolition of monarchy is a legislative or revolutionary movement to abolish monarchical elements in government, usually hereditary. Many people argue that the monarchy should be abolished because it violates the moral principles of representative democracy, such as basic moral equality, dignity, and desert. Others argue that the monarchy is a relic of our feudal past and that it is an affront to human dignity. The movement to abolish the monarchy has gained momentum in recent years, with countries such as Barbados and Nepal transitioning to republican forms of government.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Moral reasons | Monarchy violates the moral desert principle, the principle of basic moral equality, and the principle of basic dignity |
| Political reasons | The monarchy is an affront to human dignity and a relic of our feudal past |
| Historical reasons | The number of monarchies in Europe has been declining since at least the early 20th century, with many former colonies abolishing their monarchies after gaining independence from the United Kingdom |
| Financial reasons | The Royal Family is taxpayer-funded and enjoys privileges such as exemptions from certain laws and taxes |
| Social reasons | The monarchy is seen as out of touch with the experiences and difficulties of ordinary Britons |
| Touristic reasons | The monarchy is not a unique tourist attraction, and a republican constitution would not deter visitors from exploring Britain's history |
| Legislative reasons | The monarchy has the right to inspect and request alterations to legislation that may affect them, which is a form of secret interference in laws |
| Democratic reasons | The monarchy is undemocratic, with the royal family being privy to more government secrets than many cabinet ministers |
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What You'll Learn
The monarchy is a relic of our feudal past
The abolition of monarchy is a legislative or revolutionary movement to abolish monarchical elements in government, usually hereditary. Abolition can be carried out through abdication, legislative reform, revolution, coup d'état, and decolonisation. Many monarchies were abolished in the middle of the 20th century or later as part of the process of decolonization. This included several Commonwealth realms, which were sovereign states in personal union with the monarchy of the United Kingdom. The number of monarchies in Europe fell from 22 to 12 between 1914 and 2015, while the number of republics rose from 4 to 34.
Monarchy, in any form, is based on immoral commitments and is an affront to human dignity. It violates the principle of basic moral equality and the principle of basic dignity. The monarchs and their families are treated as morally superior to ordinary citizens, which results in unfair and undignified treatment of citizens. The royal family's wealth, which is estimated to run into the billions, and their predominantly white and upper-class status, represent traditional, conservative values, the status quo, and the advancement of the wealthy.
The monarchy is a relic of the feudal past, where the original ownership of land was established during the feudal period. The monarchy had absolute power and owned everything. The establishment of the Crown Estate represents the act of building a legal framework around transferring feudal property rights into the modern era. The monarchy is a vestige of our more irrational, feudal history that we can get rid of in our post-enlightenment world.
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The monarchy violates the moral desert principle
The moral desert principle, as articulated by civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. in his "I Have a Dream" speech, asserts that individuals should be evaluated based on their character and actions, rather than external or inherited characteristics. In a monarchy, however, the monarch's position and power are solely derived from their birthright, which is a morally irrelevant factor according to the moral desert principle. This creates an inherent inequality and violates the principle of basic moral equality.
The monarchy's violation of the moral desert principle is further exemplified by the special exemptions and privileges enjoyed by the royal family. For example, the monarchy is exempt from certain laws and regulations, such as the 2010 Equality Act, and is not required to pay income or inheritance tax. These exemptions reinforce the notion that the royal family is above the law and not subject to the same rules and responsibilities as ordinary citizens, further entrenching the inequality between monarchs and citizens.
Moreover, the monarchy's position as representatives and figureheads can negatively impact the reputation of the country. For instance, racist and sexist remarks made by members of the royal family when abroad can be detrimental to the country's image. The monarchy's predominantly white, upper-class composition inherently represents traditional, conservative values and the advancement of the wealthy, which may not align with the values and interests of all citizens. This discrepancy between the values of the monarchy and the diverse citizenry it represents further underscores the monarchy's violation of the moral desert principle.
In conclusion, the monarchy violates the moral desert principle by upholding the inherent inequality between monarchs and citizens, treating citizens in an unfair and undignified manner, and failing to represent the diverse values and interests of the people they rule. The moral desert principle calls for individuals to be judged and rewarded based on their virtues and actions, rather than morally irrelevant factors such as birthright or inherited privilege. By its very nature, monarchy contradicts this principle and, therefore, constitutes a violation of fundamental moral principles that underpin representative democracy.
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The monarchy is a barrier to social cohesion and national unity
The monarchy is an outdated relic of a feudal past that is fundamentally at odds with the moral principles of representative democracy. The institution of monarchy is based on the notion that the right to rule is inherited by birth, which violates the basic moral principles of equality, dignity, and the moral desert principle. The idea that an individual's worth or position is determined by their lineage or social class is deeply regressive and a barrier to social cohesion.
The monarchy inherently creates social and class divisions, with the royal family occupying a position of privilege and power that is inaccessible to the vast majority of citizens. The notion of a royal bloodline and the inherent superiority it confers contribute to a sense of exclusivity and reinforce social hierarchies that are detrimental to a cohesive society.
Furthermore, the monarchy's role as representatives and figureheads can be detrimental to the country's interests. The royal family's wealth, privilege, and predominantly white and upper-class composition inevitably associate them with traditional, conservative values and the advancement of the wealthy. This can create a disconnect with the diverse realities of the citizens they claim to represent, hindering national unity.
The monarchy's exemption from certain laws and their influence on legislation also undermines social cohesion. The royal household's exemption from the 2010 Equality Act and discrimination laws, as well as their tax privileges, reinforce a sense of inequality and special treatment. Additionally, the monarchy's right to inspect and request alterations to legislation that may affect them undermines the principle of equal treatment under the law, creating a sense of injustice among citizens.
The abolition of the monarchy would remove these barriers to social cohesion and national unity, allowing for a more inclusive and equitable society. A republican constitutional framework, as seen in countries like Italy, France, and Germany, can promote social cohesion and national unity by emphasizing moral equality and the inherent worth of all citizens, regardless of birth or social status.
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The monarchy is unaccountable and lacks empathy
The monarchy is an ancient form of government that dictates that the right to rule is inherited by birth by a single ruler. Monarchy, in any form, is based on immoral commitments and is an affront to human dignity. It is a relic of our feudal past and should be abolished once and for all.
The monarchy's unaccountability is further exemplified by its exemption from various laws and taxes. The monarchy is exempt from the 2010 Equality Act, and the royal household is exempt from employees pursuing sexual or racial discrimination complaints. Additionally, the monarchy is not required to pay income, capital gains, or inheritance tax, even on private interests. This lack of financial accountability can be seen as unfair and elitist, especially when compared to the financial struggles of ordinary citizens.
The monarchy's unaccountability extends beyond legal and financial matters and into the political sphere. The monarchy holds royal prerogative, which grants the Prime Minister powers such as the ability to declare war or sign treaties without a vote in Parliament. The Privy Council, a body of advisors to the monarch, can also enact legislation without parliamentary approval. This concentration of power in the hands of an unelected and unaccountable institution undermines democratic principles and the will of the people.
The monarchy's lack of empathy is also evident in its response to scandals and controversies. Issues such as Prince Phillip's racist and sexist remarks and the scandal surrounding Charles' affair have harmed the reputation of the country. The monarchy's position as representatives and figureheads can be detrimental to the interests of the people they are supposed to serve. The royal family, with its wealth, privilege, and predominantly white and upper-class composition, inherently represents traditional, conservative values and the advancement of the wealthy.
In conclusion, the monarchy's unaccountability and lack of empathy are significant issues that contribute to the argument for its abolition. The monarchy's exemption from laws and taxes, its political influence, and its detachment from the struggles of ordinary citizens highlight the need for a more democratic and empathetic form of leadership.
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The monarchy is a constitutional absurdity
Monarchy is a form of government that dictates that the right to rule is inherited by birth by a single ruler. The number of monarchies in the world has been steadily declining since the early 20th century, with many of the surviving ones nowadays being constitutional.
Constitutional monarchies play a largely ceremonial and symbolic role with few executive, legislative, and judicial powers. However, the monarchy is a constitutional absurdity, and here's why:
Firstly, the monarchy is an affront to human dignity and breaches fundamental moral principles that undergird representative democracy, such as basic moral equality, dignity, and desert. The monarch and their family are treated as morally superior to ordinary citizens, which results in unfair and undignified treatment of citizens. This violates the moral desert principle, which states that we should be judged by the content of our characters and not by morally irrelevant factors such as social class and family lineage.
Secondly, the monarchy lacks accountability and transparency. They are privy to more government secrets than many cabinet ministers, yet they are not accountable to anyone. The monarchy also has the right to inspect legislation that may affect them and request alterations before it becomes public. This special treatment erodes the principle of equality and constitutes secret interference in the laws of the country.
Thirdly, the monarchy enjoys privileges and exemptions that are indefensible. For example, the Royal Household is exempt from employees pursuing sexual or racial discrimination complaints, and the monarchy is exempt from the 2010 Equality Act and inheritance tax. These exemptions reinforce the perception of the monarchy as being above the law and out of touch with the experiences of ordinary citizens.
Finally, the monarchy is a relic of our feudal past and represents traditional, conservative values, the status quo, and the advancement of the wealthy. In a modern democratic society, the idea of a divinely appointed ruler by birthright is outdated and undemocratic.
In conclusion, the monarchy is a constitutional absurdity because it violates moral principles, lacks accountability, enjoys indefensible privileges, and represents outdated values. It is a vestige of our irrational, feudal history that we can move beyond in our post-enlightenment era.
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Frequently asked questions
A monarchy is a form of government where the right to rule is inherited by birth by a single ruler, establishing dynasties.
Monarchy breaches fundamental moral principles that undergird representative democracy, such as basic moral equality, dignity, and desert. The monarchy is also exempt from many laws and is not required to pay certain taxes.
The monarchy is politically neutral and plays a largely ceremonial role. Becoming a republic could provoke the wrath of parliament and the process would become very partisan very quickly.
Parliament can abolish the monarchy overnight if it wishes to. The new, elected head of state is sworn in, the old one - the monarch - leaves office and retires.
Many countries have abolished their monarchy, including Barbados, Ireland, India, Ghana, and Kenya.
