Difference Between Monarchy and Democracy
Monarchy vs Democracy
Government’s history may not exactly be known but it is safe to say that government is as old as human society itself. At some point in the past ‘“ as the population grew in a particular area, there was pressure to have a system of laws that the society members had to follow since chaos would reign in a society if there is no governing body to set guidelines to its constituents. Public order and maintenance of security is vital to every society.
Larger populations would demand more complex set of rules and as society grows, governments also evolve. In different regions and in certain points of time, different types of government flourished. It should also be mentioned that government is constantly changing as history had shown.
Monarchy is a form of government which was very common during ancient and medieval times. Supreme power is bestowed on an individual and it can be absolute or nominal. The ‘head of state’ of a land with this kind of government often holds the title for life or until abdication. The leader, who is called a monarch, is wholly set apart from all other members of the state. The monarch typically makes all the law and decisions (legislative, judicial, and executive).
The above is in definite contrast to Democracy. Democracy is a type of government carried out by the nation’s people either, directly or indirectly. A rare subtype is ‘Direct Democracy’ but only feasible to a small area and with a small population. The common way of practicing this type of government is by giving the power to govern to elected representatives.
Democracy is based on a principle of equality and freedom. Equality defined in terms where all citizens are all equal before the law. Basically, positions and statuses do not matter; when one breaks the law, he or she is subject to sanctions. Monarchy is different in a way that higher officials – especially the monarch ‘“ are often not restricted by the law since they make the law themselves without further deliberation.
All citizens of a democratic nation are promised certain legitimized freedoms and liberties, which are generally protected by a constitution. Monarchy may also give this privilege but it all depends on the preferences and inclinations of the monarch.
However, monarchy of the new times is not defined in terms of unlimited political power anymore as it has evolved to a more citizen-friendly government. Now there are constitutional monarchies and this somehow blurred the lines between the principles of democracy and the defining roots of monarchy.
The common characteristic of monarchy is that rule is passed on through the next of kin ‘“ ‘Hereditary Rule’. This is in complete contempt to the principles of democracy where people’s choice is the governing code.
Summary:
1. Monarchy is a form of government where a state is headed by a monarch while democracy is a government headed by elected representatives.
2. Power and position is passed through heritage and bloodline in Monarchy while democracy principally supports elections (people’s choice).
3. In monarchy, supreme power is given to an individual while in Democracy, the power to govern is directly or indirectly carried out by the people.
4. In Democracy, all is equal before the law while in Monarchy, the monarch is the law.
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The presumption is wrong that Monarchy and democracy in opposition to each other.
You portray an absolute monarchy that is not limited or restrained by laws or a constitution.
Constitutional Monarchies – as they exist in Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere – democracy is flurishing and the Crown is the protector of liberties and freedom.
On the other hand republics – the real opposite of a Monarchy – can be dictatorships, very often are, even if a president is re-elected every four or five years. Look to the US ally Egypt, where president Mubarak heads a dictatorial regime and organises “elections” only to be returned with 85 or 90 percent, because he prevents opposition candidates to run a fair campaign. Republics like this are everywhere, in Europe (for example Belarus, even Russia), Africa (Zimbabwe with the infamous Robert Mugabe), Asia (from Burma to China) or America (Cuba).
Actually if you have not read the entire passage , let me quote those lines again –
” However, monarchy of the new times is not defined in terms of unlimited political power anymore as it has evolved to a more citizen-friendly government. Now there are constitutional monarchies and this somehow blurred the lines between the principles of democracy and the defining roots of monarchy”
These lines clearly state what the monarchy has evolved into …today , they are mostly people friendly , further the author never said that the monarch has always absolute power , of course he frames the law, he is the independent ruler of the people , but then he is given the ” varying degrees of power” in the modern world meaning his power is somehow controlled …that being said his powers are somehow stinted or at worst he can also be a figurehead ..thats why he says the idea is now somehow blurred and the strict lines of demarcations are somehow effaced .
Further i don’t think he is assuming that both are against each other , he never mentioned that , he just says that both are different , major diff- the government is in the form of monarchy its totally under the discretion of the monarch that it will be people friendly ( same as democracy which is means government of the people ) or against them …
So its a perfect articles …very insightful i must say
Your right.
i believe the article explained monarchy in its most traditional sense. Absolute monarchy actually entails absolute power. There can be a lot of ambiguity though!
HI EVERYBODY
more points on monarchy !
GO DEMOCRACY!!!!!!!
:3
Wow!! it has helped me.
It helped me to know about democracy.
Well said sir Sunny
Yes it helps me in writing Speech on democracy and giving example so it is most helpful
Nice… It is help me…
Monarchy is nothing but a reminder of inequality among people. I find it very damaging in the UK especially as people still believe that are less or more worthy. The fact is that monarch are spending money of the nation in order to keep their illusional superiority. People consider themselves as less worthy or as a second hand citizens .. as one American said; in order for monarchy to exist , peasants and slaves are needed to look up to them.. this is a feudal manipulation and exploitation: i am looking forward for the UK people to finally realise their rights and dignity that will help them live the 21.century living standards rather than living in run down houses with rats ( modern slums).. the class system is an illusion..
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