Malcolm Rivera
There are 12 monarchies in Europe, 11 of which are constitutional monarchies. A constitutional monarchy is a form of monarchy in which the monarch exercises their authority in accordance with a constitution and does not influence the politics of the state. The remaining monarchy, Vatican City, is an absolute monarchy. Most of Europe's monarchies were abolished during or after World War I or World War II, and the remaining monarchies became constitutional monarchies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of constitutional monarchies in Europe | 11 or 12 |
| Examples | Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Andorra |
| Definition | A form of monarchy in which the monarch exercises their authority in accordance with a constitution and is not alone in making decisions |
| Powers of the monarch | Differs between countries. The monarch may hold formal authority and the government may operate in the monarch's name, but the monarch does not set public policy or choose political leaders. The monarch may have certain formal powers such as dissolving parliament or giving royal assent to legislation. |
| Historical context | Most of Europe's monarchies were abolished either during or following World War I or World War II, and the remaining monarchies became constitutional monarchies. |
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What You'll Learn
The role of constitutional monarchies in modern democracy
Constitutional monarchies, also known as limited, parliamentary, or democratic monarchies, are a form of monarchy in which the monarch's authority is bound by a constitution and they do not have absolute power. Most of the monarchies in Europe are constitutional monarchies, with the exceptions of Liechtenstein and Monaco, which are considered semi-constitutional or executive monarchies, and the Vatican City, which is an absolute monarchy.
One key factor in the survival of constitutional monarchies is their ability to remain politically neutral and refrain from intervening in the daily political struggle of executive government. This neutrality helps to maintain their reputation and accountability to the public, on whose support the monarchy ultimately depends. Constitutional monarchies also offer the continuity of a family whose different generations attract the interest of all age groups and provide a non-partisan state headship.
In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch acts as a ceremonial or symbolic head of state, embodying and representing the nation, while the government is carried out by a cabinet of predominantly elected officials. The monarch may retain some discretionary powers, such as royal prerogative and sovereign immunity, but these are typically limited and subject to an established legal framework.
While there are still active republican movements in Europe seeking to abolish monarchies, the role of constitutional monarchies in modern democracy is largely seen as a successful combination of an ancient institution with a modern democratic system.
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The transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy
Europe has witnessed a transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy, with the former being the predominant mode of politics on the continent. This shift can be attributed to various factors, including the rise of republicanism, liberalism, nationalism, and socialism, as well as significant historical events such as the French Revolution and the Revolutions of 1848.
Absolute monarchy, characterised by centralised power vested in a single monarch, was the norm in Europe for centuries. Notable examples include the French "sun king," Louis XIV, and Charles I of Spain, who united the kingdom in 1516. However, the transition to constitutional monarchy began to take shape in the 17th and 18th centuries, with England and France taking opposing political trajectories.
England, which had failed as an absolutist state in the 17th century, set the precedent for constitutional monarchy. The English Bill of Rights, agreed upon by co-rulers William and Mary, established a new form of governance where the king or queen led, but lawmaking was controlled by parliament, and all citizens were subject to the same laws. This marked a shift towards representative governments, a characteristic often associated with modernity.
The French Revolution and the subsequent overthrow of the monarchy in 1792 further propelled the idea of constitutional monarchy. France's first constitutional monarchy, established in 1791, was short-lived, but it set a precedent for future political changes. Napoleon Bonaparte's reign from 1804, while technically a constitutional monarchy, is often regarded by historians as an absolute monarchy. France returned to constitutional monarchy in 1830, earlier than most of Europe, and continued to experience political fluctuations between constitutionalism and absolutism.
The Revolutions of 1848 played a pivotal role in the transition to constitutional monarchy across Europe. Denmark, an absolute monarchy until 1849, and Sweden, which transitioned to absolutism in the late 17th century, both became constitutional monarchies after these revolutions. Similarly, Russia, an absolute monarchy until the 1905 revolution, transitioned to a constitutional monarchy, albeit one that retained authoritarian elements.
The two world wars also significantly impacted the European monarchies. Most were abolished during or after these conflicts, and those that remained were transformed into constitutional monarchies. Today, there are twelve monarchies in Europe, eleven of which are constitutional, with the exception of the Vatican City State. These constitutional monarchies vary in the degree of power retained by the monarch, ranging from ceremonial roles to semi-constitutional monarchies like Liechtenstein and Monaco, where the princes exert significant influence on politics.
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The public perception of the monarchy
Public perception of the monarchy varies across Europe, with some countries embracing the institution more enthusiastically than others. The British monarchy, for example, has traditionally been held in high regard by the public, with the late Queen Elizabeth II enjoying a 75% popularity rating during her reign. However, there is an ongoing debate between advocates of a republican system and supporters of the monarchy, and the subsequent monarchs, King Charles III and his son, Prince William, may not be held in such esteem by the media. The British royal family is scrutinised more closely than any other European royal family, and the media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion.
In Sweden, the modernisation of the monarchy has boosted public support. Crown Princess Victoria and her siblings' marriages to commoners were widely accepted and supported by the Swedish people. This contrasts with the negative press surrounding Prince Harry's marriage to an American divorcée actress in the UK.
While there are currently no major campaigns to abolish the monarchy in any of the twelve European monarchies, there are small republican movements in many countries, including the political organisation "Republic" in the United Kingdom. These movements have limited political clout, but they continue to advocate for the elimination of monarchies and the liquidation of assets reserved for reigning families.
The financial structure of royal families also influences public perception. The UK's Sovereign Grant, derived from Crown Estate profits, stood at 42.8 million pounds, significantly higher than the grants received by the Spanish, Belgian, and Danish monarchies. This disparity can impact public opinion, especially in the context of economic challenges and rising living costs.
Public perception of the monarchy in Europe is complex and multifaceted, shaped by historical traditions, media representation, and evolving societal values. While some countries embrace the institution, others grapple with debates around republicanism and the role of the monarchy in the modern world.
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The influence of the monarch on politics
There are currently twelve monarchies in Europe, eleven of which are constitutional monarchies. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch typically does not influence politics, either by legal prohibition or by convention. These are known as ceremonial monarchies. However, there are exceptions, and some constitutional monarchies are classified as semi-constitutional or executive monarchies, in which the monarch wields significant power.
While the monarch in a ceremonial constitutional monarchy has little to no political influence, they often have a significant social and cultural influence. They may be a visible symbol of national unity and play an important role in times of emergency. For example, the Commonwealth realms, which include the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, are constitutional monarchies where the monarch is the head of state but holds a largely ceremonial role.
On the other hand, in semi-constitutional or executive monarchies, the monarch wields considerable power. Liechtenstein and Monaco are examples of European constitutional monarchies where the prince retains many powers typically associated with an absolute monarch. For instance, the Prince of Liechtenstein has the power to veto laws proposed by parliament and hire or dismiss government employees. While the people can call for a referendum to end the prince's reign, their de facto power is still significant within their small states.
It is worth noting that the transition to constitutional monarchy in Europe was not always easy. While France's path to constitutional monarchy is often seen as particularly difficult, other countries also underwent struggles, revolutions, and wars to transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy.
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The future of the monarchy
The future of constitutional monarchies in Europe is a topic that has been widely discussed and analysed by academics and experts. While there is currently no major campaign to abolish the monarchy in any of the twelve European monarchies, there are small republican movements in several countries. Republicanism has regained ground with the rise of liberalism, nationalism, and socialism, and the Revolutions of 1848 were largely inspired by this ideology. Most of Europe's monarchies were abolished during or after the World Wars, and the remaining ones became constitutional monarchies.
The role of the monarchy in modern democracies is a key question for the future of constitutional monarchies. While the public expects the monarchy to represent continuity, stability, and tradition, they also want it to be modern and reflect contemporary values. The monarchy's role in advanced democracies is a complex issue that requires realistic debate and consideration of the institution's contradictions, myths, and misunderstandings.
The future of specific constitutional monarchies in Europe varies. For example, Spain, the only southern European country with a monarch as Head of State, was excluded from further consideration in a chapter on European constitutional monarchies due to the recent restoration of the monarchy in 1975. On the other hand, countries like Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom are considered some of the most advanced democracies in the world and have been the focus of academic discussions and publications.
Overall, the future of constitutional monarchies in Europe depends on several factors, including public perception, the monarchy's ability to modernise, and the role it plays in modern democracies. While there is no imminent threat to the monarchy in Europe, the institution must continue to evolve and adapt to ensure its survival in the long term.
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Frequently asked questions
Most of the monarchies in Europe are constitutional monarchies, where the monarch does not influence the politics of the state. This transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy was a result of the French Revolution, World War I, and World War II.
There are currently 11 constitutional monarchies in Europe, with the exception of the Vatican City, which is an absolute monarchy.
The constitutional monarchies in Europe include Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
A constitutional monarch is a non-political ceremonial head of state who acts as a symbol of national unity. They may hold formal powers, such as dissolving parliament or giving royal assent to legislation, but these powers are usually limited by a constitution.
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