The Allure Of Constitutional Monarchy: Why People Follow

A constitutional monarchy is a system of government where a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government. The monarch may be the de facto head of state or a ceremonial leader. The constitution allocates the rest of the government's power to the legislature and judiciary. The present-day concept of a constitutional monarchy developed in the United Kingdom, where monarchs have ceded power to democratically elected parliaments and prime ministers. The monarch is often a figurehead for the state, domestically and internationally, and serves to unify and strengthen the state. While the role of the monarch varies by country, some constitutional monarchies include Belgium, Cambodia, Jordan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Thailand.

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The monarch is a figurehead for the state, domestically and internationally

The role of a monarch in a constitutional monarchy is often largely ceremonial, with the figure serving as a symbol of national unity and continuity. While the monarch is the head of state, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected parliament. The monarch's role is thus often described as that of a figurehead, domestically and internationally.

In the United Kingdom, for example, the monarch has a ceremonial role as the 'Head of Nation', acting as a focus for national identity, unity, and pride, and giving a sense of stability and continuity. The monarch officially recognises success and excellence and supports the ideal of voluntary service. While the monarch is at the top of the political and social hierarchy, they are often styled as a 'servant of the people' to reflect an egalitarian position.

Constitutional monarchies can vary in the extent of power held by the monarch. In Thailand, for example, the monarch has considerable power under the constitution, including the power to dismiss the prime minister, refuse to dissolve parliament, or veto legislation. In the United Kingdom, on the other hand, the monarch has no formal political power, and any intervention in politics can be controversial, as it may be seen as compromising the neutrality of the crown.

In some cases, a constitutional monarchy may be established with a figurehead monarch, while actual power is held by a different individual or group. For example, Fascist Italy was a constitutional monarchy with King Victor Emmanuel III as the head of state, but the king coexisted with the Fascist single-party rule of Benito Mussolini, who held the majority of the power. Similarly, in the German Empire, the Kaiser retained considerable executive power, while the Imperial Chancellor ruled by imperial mandate without needing a parliamentary vote of confidence.

The monarch is a servant of the people, reflecting an egalitarian position

The concept of a constitutional monarchy, also known as a limited, parliamentary, or democratic monarchy, has evolved over time, with the present-day version originating in the United Kingdom. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch's role is largely ceremonial and symbolic, as they are bound by a constitution and do not wield absolute power. The monarch is expected to remain politically neutral, acting as a unifying figure for the nation.

The monarch, as a "servant of the people," reflects an egalitarian position, signifying that their power is derived from the people and is meant to serve the interests of the people. This shift towards egalitarianism is evident in the monarch's diminished political and executive authority, with the role of governing delegated to democratically elected parliaments and prime ministers. The monarch's primary duty becomes the preservation and protection of the people's rights and freedoms.

Historically, the concept of the monarch as a servant of the people can be traced back to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which operated as a republic under the presidency of an elected king. The king was tasked with upholding the people's rights, marking a departure from the absolute power traditionally associated with monarchy. This model influenced the development of modern constitutional monarchies.

In the United Kingdom, for example, the monarch is both the head of state and the head of the nation. While King Charles III has substantial legislative and executive powers, he is constitutionally obligated to follow the government's advice and act on its guidance. His primary functions include appointing the Prime Minister and other ministers, opening new sessions of parliament, and providing royal assent to bills passed by parliament. These duties reflect the monarch's role as a servant of the people, ensuring the stability and continuity of the government.

In other constitutional monarchies, such as Malaysia and Cambodia, the monarch is periodically selected by a small electoral college, further emphasising the idea that the monarch's authority is derived from the people. The monarch in these systems may retain more significant powers, akin to those of a president, but they are still bound by a constitution and operate within a democratic framework.

The monarch is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces

The position of a nation's head of state, whether it be a constitutional monarch, viceroy, or president in a parliamentary republic, is usually accompanied by the title of commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The monarch, as commander-in-chief, is the ultimate authority of the military, with officers and personnel swearing allegiance only to them. This position is deeply rooted in tradition, with the term commander-in-chief deriving from the Imperator of the Roman Kingdom, Roman Republic, and Empire, who held imperium powers.

The monarch, as commander-in-chief, holds supreme military authority and exercises several personal prerogatives. They are responsible for making appointments to senior military posts, including the ranks of rear admiral, major general, and air vice marshal. The monarch also appoints members to committees that handle the day-to-day administration of the armed forces, such as the Defence Council, the Army Board, the Navy Board, and the Air Force Board.

While the monarch holds the position of commander-in-chief, the de facto executive authority over the armed forces is typically delegated to the prime minister and the secretary of state for defence. The prime minister makes key decisions on the use of the armed forces, while the secretary of state for defence assists in developing defence policy and managing daily military operations. The monarch regularly receives the secretary of state for defence to discuss defence documents and policies and is kept informed of important developments in military matters.

In some countries, such as Canada and Denmark, the monarch's powers as commander-in-chief are delegated to a governor-general or viceroy, who exercises these powers on their behalf. The governor-general or viceroy holds the title of commander-in-chief and acts on the advice of the prime minister and the rest of the cabinet.

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The monarch is a check against possible illegal action by politicians

In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch is a check against possible illegal action by politicians. This form of monarchy differs from absolute monarchy in that the monarch's powers and authorities are limited by a constitution and an elected parliament. The monarch is bound to exercise powers within the limits prescribed by an established legal framework.

In the United Kingdom, for example, the monarch can theoretically exercise an absolute veto over legislation by withholding royal assent. However, this power has not been used since 1708, and it is widely believed that this and many of the monarch's other political powers are lapsed. Nonetheless, the existence of these reserve powers can act as a safeguard against dictatorship or other illegal actions by politicians. For instance, in Australia, the Governor-General's use of reserve powers to dismiss the Prime Minister and dissolve Parliament led to speculation about the appropriateness of this action and the value of the monarchy as a check on elected politicians.

The role of the monarch as a check on politicians is further nuanced by the potential for political controversy when the monarch acts, as the neutrality of the crown may be seen as compromised. This is particularly relevant in the United Kingdom, where there is an ongoing debate about when it is appropriate for the monarch to act. While some political scientists champion the idea of an "interventionist monarch", others argue that any action by the monarch would trigger a ""constitutional crisis".

Overall, while the monarch in a constitutional monarchy technically retains certain powers that could be used to check illegal actions by politicians, the use of these powers is often fraught with controversy and subject to various constraints.

The monarch is a symbol of unity and strength for the state

The idea of a constitutional monarchy has evolved over the years, with the present-day concept of a constitutional monarchy developing in the United Kingdom. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch's power is limited by a constitution, and they often serve as a ceremonial figurehead and symbol of national unity and state continuity.

The monarch's position at the apex of the political and social hierarchy also lends itself to being a symbol of strength and unity. While the monarch's power may be limited, they often retain certain important political powers, such as granting pardons, granting honours, and reserve powers, such as dismissing the prime minister or refusing to dissolve parliament. In some countries, the monarch is also the head of state, further emphasising their role as a symbol of the state's unity and strength.

In addition to their political powers, monarchs often have significant social influence, which can contribute to their role as a symbol of unity. For example, the Thai royal family has undertaken socioeconomic improvement efforts, which have increased their social influence and reverence among the Thai people. Similarly, the British royal family has a long history of supporting and promoting charitable causes, which has likely contributed to their popularity and perception as a symbol of unity and strength.

The monarchy's association with strength and unity is also reinforced through various symbols and emblems, such as the lion, which represents courage, strength, and noble lineage, and the unicorn, which symbolises purity, grace, and nobility. These symbols are often incorporated into coats of arms, flags, and other official emblems, further associating the monarchy with strength and unity.

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