Monarchy

Monarchy is a form of government headed by a king, queen or emperor known as monarch. Monarchy is an hereditary system of rule where power is transferred within the family from one generation to the other. Sovereignty is vested in an individual called the monarch.

In modern times, some countries operate monarchical form of government in which the monarch has limited power and performs ceremonial functions.

Examples of countries where the system is practiced are Britain, Saudi Arabia and Morocco.

Forms of Monarchy

There are two forms or types of monarchy:

1. Absolute monarchy
2. Limited or constitutional monarchy

Absolute monarchy

This is the type of monarchy in which the monarch has unlimited powers. The monarch does not derive his powers from the constitution but rules by divine right. Absolute monarchy is associated with hereditary leadership. Only members of the royal families are qualified to lead or rule. Examples of former absolute monarchs are Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and Nicholas II, the Czar of Russia. Today, ruling absolute monarchs are very few. Examples are King Mohammed VI of Morocco and Abdulla Bin Abdul-aziz al-saud of Saudi Arabia.

Limited or Constitutional Monarchy

In this form of monarchy, the monarch has limited powers because he or she derives his or her powers from the constitution. The monarch is only a ceremonial or a figure head of state and a symbol of the nation. The actual power of governing is rested in the elected representative. Examples of countries that adopt constitutional monarchical system of government include Britain, Sweden, Arabia, Australia, Holland, etc.

Resource Control in a Monarchy

Resource control in absolute monarchy is vested in the monarch-the king or the queen. In Saudi Arabia where absolute monarchy is practiced, the king has exclusive control over the sharing of state’s resources.

In constitutional monarchy, like in Britain, the resource control lies in the Queen-in-council. This means that resources are controlled by both the parliament and the monarch.

EVALUATION

1. Discuss monarchical system of government.
2. What is limited monarchy?

The Main Features of Monarchy

1. Final state authority lies in the king or queen.
2. Ascension to leadership position is by hereditary.
3. Countries using the monarchical system of government are usually characterized by religious homogeneity.
4. It is based on age-long cultural practices.
5. Obedience to the monarch is as natural as obedience of a child to his parents
6. There is no separation of powers, as the executive, legislative and in some cases even judicial powers are all concentrated in the reigning monarch.

Merits or Advantages and Demerits or Disadvantages of Monarchy

Merits or Advantages of Monarchy

1. Monarchy brings about political stability
2. The monarch is a spiritual and historical figure. It is the custodian of the traditions and customs of the people.
3. Decisions are taken without unnecessary delay especially in absolute monarchy
4. National loyalty is encouraged because obedience to the monarch is seen as obedience to God.
5. Monarchy is best adopted to deal with emergency situations. This is possible because the monarch does not need to consult others before he takes any action.

Demerits or Disadvantages of Monarchy

1. The monarch can easily become a dictator
2. Monarchy does not accept the principle of popular sovereignty
3. The characteristics of monarchy as a form of government negate the principle of democracy.
4. A monarch could be a despot as good intentions, ability and good conduct are not hereditary
5. Most officials in a monarchy are not elected
6. The divine right of the monarch makes their subjects passive participants in the political system

EVALUATION

1. Enumerate resource control in monarchical government.
2. Outline five features of monarchy.