Omar Bennett
Absolute monarchy and constitutional monarchy are two different systems of monarchy. Absolute monarchy is a system where the monarch is the sole decision-maker and holds absolute power. On the other hand, in a constitutional monarchy, the monarch's power is limited by a constitution and they share decision-making with a parliament. This article will explore the differences between these two forms of monarchy and provide examples of each. It will also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each system and how they have evolved over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Power of the monarch | In an absolute monarchy, the monarch holds all power and makes all decisions. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch shares power with an elected parliament and makes decisions within a legal framework. |
| Rule of the people | In an absolute monarchy, the people have less power as they do not elect members to parliament. In a constitutional monarchy, the people have more power as they elect members to parliament. |
| Influence of the church | In an absolute monarchy, the church may have influence but does not hold all decision-making power. In some cases, constitutional monarchies have a state church, like the Church of England. |
| Type of government | Absolute monarchies are dictatorships. Constitutional monarchies can be ceremonial, executive, or semi-constitutional, and may be considered liberal democracies. |
| Examples | Absolute monarchies include Islamic monarchies and, historically, Hawaii (1810-1840) and France. Constitutional monarchies include the UK, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Bhutan. |
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What You'll Learn
- Constitutional monarchies have a parliament of members appointed by the monarch as advisors
- Absolute monarchies have a figurehead representative and an elected decision-making committee
- Constitutional monarchies can be ceremonial or executive
- Absolute monarchies are the only decision-makers
- Constitutional monarchies are also known as limited, parliamentary or democratic monarchies
Constitutional monarchies have a parliament of members appointed by the monarch as advisors
A constitutional monarchy is a form of monarchy in which the monarch exercises their authority in accordance with a constitution and does not make decisions alone. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch shares power with an elected parliament. The monarch may be a king, queen, emperor, prince, or grand duke, and they usually perform representative and civic roles without executive or policy-making power.
Constitutional monarchies differ from absolute monarchies, where the monarch is the sole decision-maker and holds supreme power, ruling as a dictator. In an absolute monarchy, the people have less power as they do not elect members to a parliament. Instead, an absolute monarchy may include a figurehead representative for the people and an elected decision-making committee.
The United Kingdom, for example, is a constitutional monarchy where the monarch has a role in politics but does not make laws or policies. The UK's transition to a constitutional monarchy can be traced back to the Glorious Revolution, when William and his wife Mary agreed to abide by a new Bill of Rights, making them Europe's first constitutional monarchs.
Other examples of constitutional monarchies include Liechtenstein, Monaco, Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Bhutan. On the other hand, Hawaii transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 1840 when King Kamehameha III established the kingdom's first constitution.
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Absolute monarchies have a figurehead representative and an elected decision-making committee
Absolute monarchies and constitutional monarchies are two different systems of government. In an absolute monarchy, the monarch is the only decision-maker and holds supreme power, ruling as a dictator. On the other hand, constitutional monarchies are also known as limited or parliamentary monarchies, where the monarch shares power with an elected parliament and exercises authority within the limits prescribed by a legal framework.
While absolute monarchies have a figurehead representative, this is not the same as the figurehead position of a constitutional monarch, where the monarch is a symbolic head of state who performs primarily representative and civic roles without any executive or policy-making power. The figurehead representative in an absolute monarchy is more akin to a spokesperson for the monarch's absolute power, as the monarch is the sole decision-maker.
The figurehead representative in an absolute monarchy can be a way for the monarch to maintain their power and influence while delegating some tasks and responsibilities to a trusted representative. This representative may act as the "face" of the monarchy, appearing at official events, ceremonies, and meetings, and delivering speeches on behalf of the monarch. They may also be responsible for certain diplomatic duties, such as receiving foreign dignitaries and representing the monarchy in international relations.
While the figurehead representative plays a crucial role in representing and promoting the monarchy, their power is ultimately derived from the absolute monarch, who can revoke or limit their authority at any time. The elected decision-making committee in an absolute monarchy may consist of trusted advisors or council members who provide recommendations and assist in governing, but their role is still subordinate to the absolute power of the monarch.
It is worth noting that the specific structures and dynamics of absolute monarchies can vary depending on historical, cultural, and regional factors. Some absolute monarchies may have different interpretations of the figurehead representative and the elected decision-making committee, and their roles and responsibilities may overlap or be adjusted based on the specific context.
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Constitutional monarchies can be ceremonial or executive
On the other hand, in ceremonial constitutional monarchies, the monarch holds little or no actual power or direct political influence, although they often have a great deal of social and cultural influence. The United Kingdom is an example of a ceremonial constitutional monarchy, where the monarch is the hereditary symbolic head of state and performs representative and civic roles but does not exercise executive or policy-making power.
The German Empire from 1871 to 1918 was a constitutional monarchy, as well as earlier confederations and the individual monarchies that made it up. Hawaii transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 1840 when King Kamehameha III established the kingdom's first constitution. Similarly, France transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy with the French Constitution of 1791, although this system was short-lived and ended with the establishment of the French First Republic in 1792.
The Thai constitutional monarchy is a unique case, as the monarch retains certain powers under the constitution, including the ability to play a role in politics through the protection of lèse majesté, which carries strict criminal penalties for violators. This has led to debates about when it is appropriate for the British monarch to act, as their actions can be seen as compromising the neutrality of the crown.
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Absolute monarchies are the only decision-makers
Absolute monarchies are a form of government where the monarch is the only decision-maker and holds supreme power. This means that the monarch rules with absolute authority and is not bound by any legal or constitutional framework. In an absolute monarchy, the monarch is often seen as a dictator, with unlimited power to make and enforce laws, and their word is final.
A key characteristic of an absolute monarchy is the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual, the monarch. This is in stark contrast to a constitutional monarchy, where power is shared between the monarch and an elected parliament, and the monarch's powers are limited and defined by a constitution. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch may be a symbolic figurehead, performing representative and civic roles, but they do not have the sole authority to make laws or policies.
The absolute monarchy system has been historically prevalent in various countries, with notable examples such as the Ancien Régime in France, the Hawaiian monarchy before 1840, and the Russian monarchy under Alexander I. In these absolute monarchies, the monarch held complete authority over the state and its people, with little to no checks on their power. This often resulted in the monarch having significant control over various aspects of society, including the economy, military, and religious institutions.
In contrast, constitutional monarchies have emerged as a more modern form of government, where power is distributed and balanced between different institutions. Examples of constitutional monarchies include the United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and, after 1840, Hawaii. In these systems, the monarch's role is often ceremonial or largely symbolic, and they are expected to remain politically neutral. While they may retain certain privileges, such as the power to veto legislation, their ability to directly influence policy-making is limited.
The distinction between absolute and constitutional monarchies lies primarily in the degree of power wielded by the monarch and the presence or absence of checks and balances on that power. Absolute monarchies represent an older form of governance, where the monarch's will was law, while constitutional monarchies reflect a more contemporary approach, where power is shared and distributed to provide a system of checks and balances.
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Constitutional monarchies are also known as limited, parliamentary or democratic monarchies
A constitutional monarchy, also known as a limited, parliamentary, or democratic monarchy, is a form of government where the monarch's powers are restricted by a constitution and shared with an elected parliament. The monarch acts as a symbolic head of state, performing primarily civic and representative functions, while the parliament wields significant political power. This system stands in contrast to absolute monarchies, where the monarch holds supreme authority and is the sole decision-maker, ruling without the constraints of a constitution.
Constitutional monarchies are characterized by a division of powers, with the monarch's role being limited to non-executive and non-policy-making functions. While they may have some influence in politics, their primary duties are ceremonial and symbolic. For example, the monarch of the United Kingdom can theoretically exercise an absolute veto over legislation by withholding royal assent, but this power is rarely used, and the neutrality of the crown is carefully maintained.
The term "limited monarchy" emphasizes the constraints placed on the monarch's power, indicating that their authority is restricted by a constitution or other legal framework. This limitation ensures that the monarch does not possess absolute power and must govern within established boundaries. In a parliamentary monarchy, the emphasis is on the role of parliament, which is typically elected by the people and holds significant legislative and executive powers. This system provides a check on the monarch's power and allows for greater representation and accountability in the decision-making process.
Democratic monarchy, as the name suggests, highlights the democratic nature of the system, where the people have a say in governance through their elected representatives in parliament. This aspect distinguishes constitutional monarchies from absolute monarchies, where the people's power is limited, and the monarch wields supreme authority. In a constitutional monarchy, the people's power is exercised through their ability to elect members to parliament, who then share decision-making responsibilities with the monarch.
Examples of constitutional monarchies include the United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Bhutan. These countries vary in terms of the specific powers granted to their monarchs, but they all share the common feature of distributing power between the monarch and a representative body, thereby limiting the monarch's authority and providing a framework for democratic governance.
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Frequently asked questions
An absolute monarchy is a form of government where the monarch is the only decision-maker and wields absolute power.
A constitutional monarchy, also known as a limited monarchy, parliamentary monarchy, or democratic monarchy, is a system where the monarch exercises their authority in accordance with a constitution and shares decision-making with a parliament.
Notable examples include France, which transitioned from absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy with the French Constitution of 1791, and Hawaii, which became a constitutional monarchy in 1840 under King Kamehameha III.
In an absolute monarchy, the monarch holds all the power and makes decisions unilaterally. In contrast, a constitutional monarchy has a system of checks and balances, with the monarch's powers limited by a constitution and shared with a parliament or elected committee.
Examples of modern constitutional monarchies include the United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Bhutan.
