Monarchy
A Derivation of the Word The word monarch comes from the Greek word monárkhēs, which referred to a single absolute ruler.
The Early History Many monarchs once claimed to rule by divine right. Monarchs have also been selected by election.
The Base of the Monarchy A monarchy consists of distinct but interdependent institutions, that provide for the social life of the members of the dynasty, their friends and the associated elite.
The Aim of the Monarchy also results from the wish of a society to groom an indigenous leader who will properly represent its historical goals and advance its interests.
Monarchy Today Most current countries that are monarchies are constitutional ones. Among the few states that retain a rather absolute monarchy are Bhutan, Brunei, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Swaziland the Vatican City.
Absolute Monarchy The monarch has an absolute power over every aspect of the state, not of social life in general, and has the power to grant or withdraw a constitution. The economic structure of such monarchies is often of concentrated wealth.
Elected Monarchy An elected monarchy was popular in various states of Northern Europe even up until the Middle Ages. The tradition of the elected monarchy is very ancient and still exists today in the office of the Pope.
The Monarchy in Antiquity There was a mix of conflicting principles and interests, the ruling house tending to reserve succession for itself, with the nobility rivaling it. Actual succession often depended on popular assent and/or the support of the armed forces.
Constitutional Monarchy Most of today's hereditary monarchs serve as more or less of a figurehead, with few powers, except for ceremonial duties. Many are also constitutional monarchs who can dissolve parliament and call for new elections.
Dictators as Monarchs In some ancient hereditary monarchies, power often resided with the military. There have also been situations in which a dictator proclaimed himself a monarch.
Unions of Monarchies On several occasions throughout history, the same person has served as monarch of separate independent states, in a situation known as a personal union. However, often a personal union between nation states ends in complete separation.
Some Republics Are Monarchies Some republics can be called 'virtual monarchies' as they appear to have introduced de facto inheritance for the Head of state. However, one father-son succession without a constitutional mechanism is more an appearance than an actual de facto monarchy.
Dependent Monarchies When a state loses its true sovereignty, while internally retaining its monarchic constitution, its monarchy will often become similarly dependent on the greater power.
A Succession of the Throne In constitutional monarchies the rule of succession is generally embodied in a law passed by a representative body. Elective monarchies have in most cases been succeeded by hereditary monarchies. The order of succession in most European monarchical states of the 21 st century is by primogeniture.
Demise of Monarchies can come to an end in several ways. There may be a revolution in which the monarchy is overthrown, or the electorate decides to form a republic by constitutional referendum. In some cases the monarchy has been overthrown and later restored.
