WHAT IS A MONARCHY?

• A monarchy is a government with a monarch, a man or woman who is the sole head of state and holds office for life. (Commonly called a King or Queen)

• The monarchy is often, but not always, passed from parent to child.

• Originally, a (absolute) monarch had supreme authority and was truly the ruler of the land.

• Today, Monarchy generally refers to a state that has a royal family and a hereditary head of state.

• In these states, the monarch’s role in rulership has been reduced and the country operates under a constitution. (Constitutional Monarchy vs Absolute Monarchy)

• In its purest form, monarchies are one of the oldest known forms of government originating long before the beginning of written history.

WHAT IS A MONARCHY?

Continued Characteristics of an (Absolute) Monarchy

There is no legal political parties or only one. Limited or no electoral freedom. Rule by a single

individual. Opposition and dissent may be limited or

forbidden. Limited property rights, usually inherited;

monarchs may claim ownership of entire kingdom. Government may have significant role in the

economy. Monarch may determine how people are

employed. Forced labor may happen. Religious freedom may not be allowed. Social welfare programs may not exist.

WHAT AN ABSOLUTE MONARCHY IS NOT

A democratic government which is by and for the people.

A government of shared power. Power is in the hands of the monarch.

A government which give the people civil rights.

THE BENEFITS OF A MONARCHY

• The monarchy system of authority can help in the advancement of a country through doing away with official corruption. Any act of corruption by officials becomes a great offense against the monarch.

• For some nations a monarchy can be attractive because it enables long-term stability, especially when it comes to leadership of the nation.

• the monarchy is very beneficial and it allows for decisive and quick decision making. This is vital in cases where there is a crisis like war.

• a monarchy creates a high sense of national identity and nationalism. 

PROBLEMS OF MONARCHY

• the monarchy form of governance is that important decisions are going to be made by one individual. This can lead to biased and rash decisions.

• A successful monarch may be followed by an unsuccessful monarch.

COUNTRIES WITH ABSOLUTE MONARCHIES

Brunei (SouthEast Asia)Oman (Arabian Peninsula) Qatar (Arabian P.)Saudi ArabiaSwaziland (Africa)