Written by As you may already know, there are two major types of monarchy: Absolute monarchy and Constitutional monarchy.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the characteristics and distinctions of these two types of monarchy, giving you a better understanding of the two types of monarchy”
Absolute Monarchy
An absolute monarchy is a form of monarchy in which the monarch has absolute powers over the state.
It is a form of government in which the monarch’s power is not limited by the constitution.
That is, the monarch’s power is absolute, and is not subject to legal restrictions or checks.
Absolute monarchies are usually hereditary because monarchs acquire power through hereditary succession.
Examples of constitutional monarchies are Saudi Arabia and Vatican City.
Features of Absolute Monarchy
1. Single ruler: An absolute monarchy is usually ruled by a monarch, which usually has absolute power over the activities of the state.
An absolute monarch usually serves as both the head of state and the head of government.
He also serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
2. Hereditary transfer: In an absolute monarchy, powers are usually transferred hereditarily in that the monarch’s position is passed down to his son, daughter or other relatives when he dies.
In an absolute monarchy, leaders are not elected into office. Rather, the monarch’s power is usually passed to his offspring.
This is why absolute monarchies are often considered hereditary monarchies.
3. Absence of representative government: Another feature of absolute monarchy is that there is an absence of representative government.
A representative government means that people elect their leaders.
In absolute monarchies like Saudi Arabia, the ruler is not elected by the populace. Instead, he inherited his position of authority.
Additionally, most absolute monarchies lack a distinct legislative branch where citizens can choose representatives to enact laws on their behalf.
As a result, absolute monarchies lack representative government because neither the king nor legislative representatives are chosen by the people.
4. Lacks separation of power: Absolute monarchies are often characterized by a lack of separation of power.
This is due to the fact that the monarch usually has absolute control over the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
5. Absolute powers of the monarchs: This is one of the inherent characteristics of absolute monarchies.
Absolute monarchs usually have complete control over the government and the decision made by the government.
In an absolute monarchy, the monarch has every government power as he can make law, enforce the law and even interpret his laws.
The Monarch is not subject to checks from other branches of government, and his power is not constrained by any constitution.
Constitutional Monarchy
A constitutional monarchy is a form of monarchy in which the monarch’s power is limited by the constitution.
It is a form of government in which a monarch exists along a constitutionally organized government.
In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch serves as a ceremonial head of state while a separate branch of government, such as parliament, holds the real power.
The power of a constitutional monarch is subject to checks from other branches of government and is constrained by the constitution.
Features of Constitutional Monarchy
1. Head of state: In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch serves as a ceremonial head of state.
By the ceremonial head of state, we mean the monarch usually carried out only ceremonial functions, such as opening parliament, receiving ambassadors, and representing the country at state occasions and on the international stage.
2. Head of government: In a constitutional monarchy, the prime minister serves as the head of government.
The prime minister usually possesses real executive powers.
He is usually responsible for the day-to-day running of the government.
The prime minister in a constitutional monarchy is usually the leader of the majority party or collation in the parliament.
3. Constitutionalism: The principle of constitutionalism is highly pronounced in a constitutional monarchy because the elected government and the monarch must act within the framework of the constitution.
That is, the head of state, head of government and other government officials are bound by the constitution.
4. Elected government: Unlike absolute monarchy, there are usually periodic elections in a constitutional monarchy.
In a constitutional monarchy, apart from the monarchy which usually acquires power hereditarily, the government officials are usually elected by the people to represent their interests and make laws on their behalf.
5. Hereditary succession: The monarch usually acquired power hereditarily in an absolute monarchy.
This means that the monarch inherits his position from the preceding monarch.
Difference Between Absolute Monarchy and Constitutional Monarchy
1. In an absolute monarchy, the monarch holds absolute and unchecked power, whereas, in a constitutional monarchy, the monarch’s power is limited by the constitution.
2. The monarch is usually the head of state and head of government in absolute monarchy while in a constitutional monarchy, the monarch is usually only the head of state while a prime minister may exist as the head of government.
3. While the monarch coexists with an elected government in a constitutional monarchy, the monarch does not coexist with an elected government in an absolute monarchy because elections rarely take place in an absolute monarchy.
4. An absolute monarch is not legally bound by the constitution as he is considered to be above the law.
In contrast, a constitutional monarch is legally bound by the constitution like other citizens.
5. An absolute monarch exercises real political power because he has the power to make laws and implement policies.
On the other hand, a constitutional monarch exercises mainly ceremonial power. Real political power in a constitutional monarchy is exercised by the prime minister.
6. Absolute monarchy is also called undemocratic monarchy whereas constitutional monarchy is also called liberal monarchy.
7. In an absolute monarchy, the monarch has the power to appoint and dismiss government officials at will, while in a constitutional monarchy, the appointment and dismissal of government officials are subject to a process of approval or oversight by the legislature.
8. Examples of countries with absolute monarchy include Saudi Arabia, Vatican City, Brunei and Swaziland while countries that are considered constitutional monarchies include the United Kingdom, Sweden, Australia, and Canada.
Conclusion
To summarize, an absolute monarchy is a form of government in which the monarch has absolute control over the state and his power is not limited by the constitution.
In an absolute monarchy, the monarch usually serves as both the head of state and the head of government.
On the other hand, a constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which the monarch’s power is limited by the constitution.
In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch serves as a ceremonial head of state while the prime minister serves as the head of the government.
