Constitutional Monarchy's Heyday: A Historical Perspective

Constitutional monarchy, also known as limited monarchy, parliamentary monarchy, or democratic monarchy, is a form of government in which a monarch—typically a king or queen—acts as the head of state within the parameters of a written or unwritten constitution. In a constitutional monarchy, political power is shared between the monarch and a constitutionally organized government, such as a parliament. While constitutional monarchy is a popular form of government in the modern era, with 43 sovereign nations employing this system as of 2024, it has been popular at other points in history as well. For example, the German Empire (the Second Reich) of 1871 was a constitutional monarchy, as was Vietnam from 1949 to 1955.

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Constitutional monarchy vs. absolute monarchy

Constitutional monarchy, also known as limited monarchy, parliamentary monarchy or democratic monarchy, is a system of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government. The monarch may be the de facto head of state or a purely ceremonial leader. The constitution allocates the rest of the government's power to the legislature and judiciary.

Constitutional monarchies differ from absolute monarchies in that the latter involves a monarch who is the sole decision-maker and holds supreme power, ruling as a dictator. In contrast, constitutional monarchies involve a monarch who shares power with an elected parliament and is bound to exercise their powers and authorities within limits prescribed by an established legal framework.

In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch acts as a non-party political ceremonial head of state under the constitution, whether codified or uncodified. They may hold formal powers such as dissolving parliament or giving royal assent to legislation, but these powers are generally exercised in accordance with constitutional principles rather than personal political preferences.

Some examples of constitutional monarchies include the United Kingdom, Belgium, Cambodia, Jordan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Thailand. On the other hand, Hawaii was an absolute monarchy from its founding in 1810 until it transitioned to a constitutional monarchy in 1840. The German Empire from 1871 to 1918 was also a constitutional monarchy, as was the Grand Duchy of Finland under Alexander I, who was also an absolute ruler in Russia.

While some argue that a benevolent absolute monarchy is the best form of government, others highlight the risk of degeneration into an aristocratic oligarchy. Constitutional monarchies are seen as a way to balance royal prerogative with parliamentary power, ensuring modernization and keeping politicians in check. However, some constitutional monarchies have been criticized for having a monarch that is merely a "decoration" with little actual power.

The role of the monarch

Constitutional monarchy, also known as limited monarchy, parliamentary monarchy, or democratic monarchy, is a system of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government. The monarch may be the de facto head of state or a ceremonial leader.

In their representative role, the monarch acts as a focus for national identity, unity, and pride, giving a sense of stability and continuity. They officially recognize success and excellence and support the ideal of voluntary service. This role is often fulfilled through speeches, such as the King's annual Christmas Day broadcast, giving honours to recognize public and voluntary service, and through visits to the armed forces, schools, hospitals, charities, and local organizations.

While the monarch's role is largely ceremonial, they do have some political influence. They have the right to be consulted, the right to encourage, and the right to warn, as identified by British political theorist Walter Bagehot. They may also have reserve powers that give them substantial political influence, such as in Thailand, where the monarch is recognized as the Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist Religion, and Defender of the Faith.

In some constitutional monarchies, such as the United Kingdom, the monarch's powers are very limited, and the country has been referred to as a "crowned republic". In other countries, such as Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Morocco, the constitution grants substantial discretionary powers to the sovereign.

The rise of republics

The concept of a republic is ancient, with the earliest known example being Arwad, a city-state in the Eastern Mediterranean, which achieved collective rule in the 11th century BC. Under this system, the people, rather than a monarch, were sovereign. Other ancient republics include the system of government of the Igbo people in what is now Nigeria, which has been described as "direct and participatory democracy". The Israelite confederation of the era of the Judges before the United Monarchy has also been considered a type of republic.

In the late Middle Ages, new republics appeared in Europe as a number of small, wealthy trading states embraced republican systems of government. These included the Mediterranean maritime republics and the Hanseatic League, in which the merchant class had risen to prominence. By the Renaissance, Europe was divided between monarchies, controlled by a landed elite, and republics, controlled by a commercial elite.

The meaning of the term "republic" shifted during the 17th and 18th centuries, with the growing resistance to absolutist regimes and their upheaval in a series of wars and revolutions, including the Eighty Years' War, the American Revolution, and the French Revolution. By the 18th century, the term "republic" came to designate a form of government in which the leader is periodically appointed under a constitution, in contrast to hereditary monarchies.

In the 19th century, the First Mexican Empire became a monarchy due to the Peninsular War, and Brazil gained independence as a monarchy in 1822, lasting until 1889. The French Second Republic was created in 1848 but abolished by Napoleon III, who proclaimed himself Emperor in 1852. Spain briefly became the First Spanish Republic in 1873–74, but the monarchy was soon restored. By 1900, France, Switzerland, and San Marino were the only republics in Europe.

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The endurance of monarchy

Constitutional monarchy, also known as limited monarchy, parliamentary monarchy, or democratic monarchy, is a system of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government. The monarch may be the de facto head of state or a purely ceremonial leader. The endurance of monarchy can be attributed to several factors, including its ability to adapt to changing demands for democratization, the stability it offers, and the ceremonial and cultural significance of the monarch.

As of 2024, forty-three sovereign nations in the world have a monarch, including fifteen Commonwealth realms that share King Charles III as their head of state. Most modern monarchies are constitutional monarchies, retaining unique legal and ceremonial roles for monarchs while exercising limited or no political power under a constitution. The endurance of constitutional monarchy can be attributed to several factors, including its ability to balance tradition and stability with democratic principles and the separation of powers.

The transition to a constitutional monarchy allows for the democratization of a country without destabilizing the leadership. The retention of the monarch as a symbolic figurehead can appeal to those who value both democracy and stability. This transition can also weaken the ability of opposition groups to organize and sustain mass protests, as the prospect of retaining the ruler may divide their efforts.

Constitutional monarchies differ from absolute monarchies, in which the monarch holds all power and is the sole decision-maker. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch's power is limited and subject to a set of laws and basic principles established by a constitution. This distinction can be hard to establish in practice, as some liberal democracies may restrain monarchic power in practice rather than in written law.

The endurance of constitutional monarchy can also be attributed to the ceremonial and cultural significance of the monarch. The monarch acts as a visible symbol of national unity and can perform representative and civic roles, such as dissolving parliament or giving royal assent to legislation. Additionally, the monarch can provide a sense of continuity and stability, particularly in times of political change or crisis.

In conclusion, the endurance of monarchy, specifically constitutional monarchy, can be attributed to its ability to adapt to changing demands for democratization, the stability it offers, and the ceremonial and cultural significance of the monarch. By transitioning to a constitutional monarchy, countries can balance democratic principles with the tradition and stability associated with the monarchy. Additionally, the ceremonial and cultural role of the monarch can provide a sense of national unity and continuity.

Examples of constitutional monarchies

Constitutional monarchy, also known as limited monarchy, parliamentary monarchy, or democratic monarchy, is a form of government in which the monarch exercises their authority in accordance with a constitution and shares power with a constitutionally organized government. The monarch may be the de facto head of state or a ceremonial leader.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a leading example of a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch, currently King Charles III, is the head of state and the emblem of state authority. While the monarch retains substantial powers, such as dissolving parliament or giving royal assent to legislation, they do not exercise executive or policy-making power, which is assumed by elected politicians.

Belgium

Belgium is the only remaining explicit popular monarchy, with the king's formal title being "King of the Belgians" rather than "King of Belgium". This signifies that the monarch is intended to reign over the people and not over the territory, reflecting the democratic nature of the monarchy.

Norway

In Norway, the monarch retains certain powers, such as chairing special meetings of the cabinet. While the monarch is the nominal chief executive, they are bound by convention to act on the advice of the Cabinet and exercise their powers within the limits prescribed by the constitution.

Japan and Thailand

While the majority of constitutional monarchies are in Western Europe, the two most populous constitutional monarchies in the world are in Asia: Japan and Thailand. In these countries, the prime minister holds the day-to-day powers of governance, while the monarch retains residual powers that are not insignificant.

Jordan and Morocco

Jordan and Morocco are examples of constitutional monarchies in the Arab world, where the monarch is a symbolic head of state who performs representative and civic roles but does not hold absolute power.

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