Monarchies
Photo: Paul Tavares, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Monarchy is a form of government where the head of state, a monarch, is appointed for life, usually through heredity. In an absolute monarchy the monarch has uninhibited power. Most monarchies today are constitutional monarchies where the monarch's role is mostly ceremonial. In some contexts and languages a constitutional monarchy is a separate term – where the monarch is limited by a constitution, but still has certain powers – from a parliamentary monarchy where all power resides with parliament in practice if not theory. The narrow meaning of constitutional monarchy was a common transitional form in the 19th century but has mostly died out with only a few exceptions.
UnderstandLordship for many is no good thing. Let there be one ruler, one king.
Ceremonial guardsRoyal guards or ceremonial guards are soldiers or law enforcement officers assigned to serve and protect the royal family and their property.
SeeThe whole world is in revolt. Soon there will be only five Kings left — the King of England, the King of Spades, the King of Clubs, the King of Hearts, and the King of Diamonds.
Monarchies todayCanada and several smaller countries in the Americas were part of the British Empire and are still part of the Commonwealth.
Historical monarchiesMany monarchies have only survived through buildings, written records, and archaeological remnants.
RespectThe popular opinion and standing of the monarchy vary between countries.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Monarchies" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Paul Tavares, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons