Simone Lawson
Constitutional monarchy is a form of government where a monarch acts as the head of state within the parameters of a constitution. It is a subset of constitutional institutions, which are occupied by a single person. The monarch has no authority over the executive and legislative branches of the government, which are fully democratic. The advantages of a constitutional monarchy include a non-partisan head of state, national unity, and the ability of the monarch to act as a figurehead for the nation. While there are criticisms of the elitist nature and hereditary appointment of monarchs, supporters argue that this form of government provides stability and a sense of continuity. The costs of maintaining a constitutional monarchy vary across countries, with the British Monarchy costing £40 million in 2015/16.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Non-partisan head of state | National unity |
| Head of state is not democratically elected | Stability |
| Head of state is not opposed by those who didn't vote for them | Equal access to the head of state |
| Head of state is a trained, guided, and supported diplomat | A country's marketing |
| Head of state is above politics | Recognition of unsung heroes in communities |
| Monarchy is a hereditary personal office of great significance | --- |
| Monarchy is a constitutional institution | --- |
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What You'll Learn
A constitutional monarchy is a superior political system to a republic
While it is true that the selection processes attached to the monarchy are such that it is improbable that the office will be consistently filled by someone capable of meeting its demands, the same can be said for a republic. In a monarchy, the monarch has decades to prepare for their role and is trained, guided, and supported on their path to this position, which gives them advantages over those who are instantly elevated to it in a republic.
A further advantage of a constitutional monarchy is that the monarch can act as a figurehead who represents the people, rather than just a political party. For example, during World War II, George VI and Queen Elizabeth's presence enabled Londoners to deal with the Blitz, and with Buckingham Palace taking hits, they understood how the locals felt.
Constitutional monarchies are also more likely to consult their people with early elections, in comparison to both appointed and directly elected presidents. This leads to higher social trust, which is associated with lower crime and lower corruption.
Finally, constitutional monarchies can provide stability to a country, which can lead to a better-working economy.
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The head of state is non-partisan
One of the key advantages of a constitutional monarchy is that the head of state is non-partisan. This means that the monarch does not represent any particular political party and is therefore not opposed by those who support rival parties or ideologies. This is in contrast to a typical democratic system, where a partisan head of state, such as a president, is often elected with only a slim majority of the vote, leaving a large portion of the population dissatisfied with the result.
A non-partisan head of state can provide a sense of national unity and equal access for all citizens. They can serve as a figurehead that represents the entire nation, rather than just a segment of it. This was evident during World War II, when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, through their presence in London during the Blitz, embodied the struggles and resilience of the British people, regardless of their political affiliations.
The royal family can also bring attention to important social issues while remaining above the political fray. For example, Prince Charles has long been an advocate for environmental causes, and Princess Diana's work helped shift public opinion about AIDS and led to an international ban on landmines. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prince Harry, have also been actively working to remove the stigma surrounding mental health.
Furthermore, the stability and continuity that a constitutional monarchy provides can be beneficial for a country's economy and overall stability. The presence of a monarch who is prepared and groomed for the role, such as Prince William, can offer a sense of consistency and predictability that may be lacking in other political systems.
While there are criticisms of the monarchy's elitist nature and appointment by birth, some argue that these aspects can be justified by the benefits of having a non-partisan head of state who represents and unifies the nation.
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Royals can highlight the need for debate on certain topics
One of the advantages of a constitutional monarchy is that royals can bring attention to the need for debate on specific issues through their charitable work while maintaining a politically neutral stance. For instance, Prince Charles has been advocating for environmental concerns for decades, and Princess Diana of Wales's efforts resulted in a global ban on landmines and a shift in public opinion about AIDS. Similarly, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prince Harry, are actively working to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health.
The royal family's involvement in charitable causes can help to initiate and shape public discourse on important social issues. Their non-partisan position allows them to address topics that may be politically sensitive or controversial without being constrained by party affiliations or the need to maintain a particular political image. This enables them to advocate for causes that may be overlooked or under-represented in the political arena.
The royal family's influence can be particularly significant when it comes to raising awareness and generating public support for issues that may not be at the forefront of political agendas. By leveraging their platform and visibility, they can bring attention to these causes and potentially influence policy-makers and decision-makers to address them.
Additionally, the royal family's charitable work can inspire and encourage individuals and communities to get involved in these causes. Their support for charitable organizations and initiatives can help to amplify their reach and impact, fostering a sense of community engagement and social responsibility.
It is worth noting that the effectiveness of the royal family's involvement in these issues depends on various factors, including the specific cause, the level of public interest, and the royal family's ability to remain politically neutral while advocating for change. While their influence can be beneficial in highlighting certain topics, it is essential to recognize that the ultimate decision-making power rests with the elected representatives and legislative bodies.
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Constitutional monarchies are more likely to consult their people
In a constitutional monarchy, the head of state is non-partisan, meaning they do not represent a political party and are therefore not opposed by those who did not vote for them. This non-partisanship fosters national unity and gives equal access to the head of state to all citizens. The monarch acts as a figurehead representing the entire nation, unlike politicians who represent only their party.
Constitutional monarchies can also highlight the need for debate on certain topics through their charitable works while remaining above politics. For example, members of the British royal family have brought attention to various issues: Prince Charles has campaigned on environmental issues, Princess Diana shifted opinions about AIDS, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, alongside Prince Harry, are working to remove the stigma surrounding mental health.
The presence of a monarch can also provide a sense of comfort and unity during challenging times. For instance, during World War II, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth's presence in London during the Blitz helped locals feel understood and supported.
Finally, constitutional monarchies can recognise the unsung heroes in communities through garden parties and honours, which a prime minister or president might not have the time to do.
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The monarch is a senior diplomat of a nation
The role of a monarch within a constitutional monarchy is a unique one, defined by its personal nature and conferred by right of birth. It is distinct from other constitutional offices in that there is only ever one monarch, and the office is occupied by virtue of the individual's identity. This hereditary nature of monarchy provides a standing argument against the institution, as it is at odds with the democratic ideals of the constitution.
However, within a constitutional monarchy, the monarch serves as the nation's senior diplomat, playing a crucial role in fostering diplomatic ties with other countries. The monarch, along with other members of the royal family, undertakes overseas visits at the request of the government, celebrating shared interests and strengthening bilateral relations. They host foreign Heads of State, holding ceremonial arrivals and State Banquets to welcome them.
The monarch also maintains regular contact with officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), which advises on foreign policy matters and facilitates diplomatic engagements. The FCDO advises on which foreign Heads of State to invite for State Visits, and the monarch and the royal family are responsible for hosting these visits with the appropriate ceremonial protocols.
Additionally, the monarch holds audiences and engagements with ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic community. The annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace is a notable example, where the monarch and other royals welcome hundreds of diplomats. The monarch's role as a senior diplomat is further facilitated by the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, a senior member of the Royal Household who acts as the monarch's link to the diplomatic community, arranging receptions and overseeing the presentation of credentials for ambassadors.
The monarch's diplomatic role, therefore, contributes significantly to the nation's international relations, providing an avenue for building and strengthening ties with other countries.
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