Which countries belong to the monarchy list. All countries where there is a monarchy

The concept of “form of state” includes the characteristics forms of government, government structure And state regime states of the world.

The political system of any country is characterized, first of all, by form of government .

Monarchical form of government arose in ancient times, even under the conditions of a slave society (the organization of state power in the countries of the Ancient East - Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, China, India, etc. is characterized by the term “oriental despotism”). Under feudalism, this form of government became the main one. In later times, only the traditional, mostly formal features of monarchical rule were preserved. However, at present there are 30 monarchies on the political map of the world. However, there is not one in America, 14 are in Asia, 12 in Europe, 3 in Africa and one in Oceania. Among them there is an empire, kingdoms, principalities, duchy, sultanates, emirates, and the papal state of the Vatican.

The vast majority of monarchies currently existing in the world are constitutional. The real legislative power in them belongs to parliament, and the executive power belongs to the government, while the monarch “reigns” but does not rule (Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, etc.) - However, the political influence of the monarch can be very noticeable.

Along with the constitutional ones, several more have survived absolute monarchies (AM). In these states, the government or other authorities are responsible only to the monarch as the head of state, and in some cases the parliament is absent altogether or is only an advisory body (United United Arab Emirates(UAE), Oman, Kuwait, etc.). Absolute monarchies also include the so-called theocratic monarchies (ATM). Besides the Vatican, this is also Saudi Arabia and Brunei (the head of secular and spiritual power in them is one person). Typically, the power of the monarch is for life and is inherited, but, for example, in Malaysia and the UAE, monarchs are elected for a five-year term.

Countries with a monarchical form of government

№ p/p	Region	Country	Form of government
	E V R O P A	Great Britain (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
		Spain (Kingdom of Spain)
		Belgium (Kingdom of Belgium)
		Netherlands (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
		Monaco (Principality of Monaco)
		Liechtenstein (Principality of Liechtenstein)
		Sweden (Kingdom of Sweden)
		Norway (Kingdom of Norway)
		Denmark (Kingdom of Denmark)
		Luxembourg (Grand Duchy of Luxembourg)
		Andorra (Principality of Andorra)

		Brunei (Brunei Darussalam)
		Saudi Arabia (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
		Qatar (State of Qatar)
		Oman (Sultanate of Oman)
		Kuwait (State of Kuwait)
		Bahrain (State of Bahrain)
		United Arab Emirates (UAE)
		Nepal (Kingdom of Nepal)
		Bhutan (Kingdom of Bhutan)
		Cambodia (Kingdom of Cambodia)
		Thailand (Kingdom of Thailand)
		Malaysia (Federation of Malaysia)

		Jordan (Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan)
		Morocco (Kingdom of Morocco)
		Swaziland (Kingdom of Swaziland)
		Lesotho (Kingdom of Lesotho)
		Tonga (Kingdom of Tonga)

Republican form of government originated in antiquity, but became most widespread during the periods of modern and recent history. In 1991, there were 127 republics in the world, but after the collapse of the USSR and Yugoslavia, their total number exceeded 140.

Under a republican system, legislative power usually belongs to parliament, and executive power to the government. In this case, there is a distinction between the so-called presidential republic where the president heads the government and is vested with very large powers (USA, a number of Latin American countries), and parliamentary republic where the role of the president is less, and the government is headed by the prime minister (Germany, Italy, India). He is also the most famous in political circles.

A special form of government - socialist republic(which arose in the 20th century in a number of countries as a result of the victory of socialist revolutions). Its varieties: Soviet republic and people's democratic republic (former USSR, countries of Eastern Europe before 1991, as well as China, Vietnam, North Korea, Cuba, which remain socialist republics today).

The republican form of government can be considered the most progressive and democratic. It was chosen not only by economically developed states, but also by most countries in Latin America, which freed themselves from colonial dependence in the last century, and almost all former colonies in Asia, which gained independence in the middle of this century, as well as African states, most of which achieved independence only in the 60-70s of the XX century. and even later.

At the same time, it must be borne in mind that such a progressive form of government does not at all unify the republics. They differ quite significantly from each other in political, social and other respects.

It should be noted that there is a unique form of government - interstate associations: Commonwealth, led by Great Britain (Commonwealth) And Commonwealth of Independent States(CIS, which includes Russia).

Legally, the British Commonwealth of Nations was formalized back in 1931. Then it included Great Britain and its dominions - Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Union of South Africa, Newfoundland and Ireland. After the Second World War and the collapse of the British colonial empire, the Commonwealth included the vast majority of Britain's former possessions - about 50 countries with a total territory of more than 30 million km 2 and a population of over 1.2 billion people located in all parts of the world.

Members of the Commonwealth have the unconditional right to unilaterally withdraw from it whenever they wish. It was used by Myanmar (Burma), Ireland, and Pakistan. All states included in the Commonwealth have full sovereignty in their internal and external affairs.

In Commonwealth states that have a republican form of government, the Queen of Great Britain is proclaimed "the head of the Commonwealth... symbol of the free association of its independent member states." Part of the Commonwealth members - Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia (Australia), New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Mauritius, Jamaica and some others are officially referred to as “states within the Commonwealth”. Supreme power in these countries formally continues to belong to the British monarch, who is represented in them by the Governor-General, appointed on the recommendation of the government of the given state. The highest body of the Commonwealth is the Conference of Heads of Government.

In 1991, simultaneously with the signing of the Belovezhsky Accords on the dissolution of the USSR, it was decided to create Commonwealth of Independent States(Russia, Ukraine, Belarus). Subsequently, all the former republics of the USSR, except the three Baltic states, joined the CIS. Goals: to promote the integration of the CIS member countries in the economic, political and humanitarian fields, to maintain and develop contacts and cooperation between the peoples and state institutions of the Commonwealth countries. The CIS is an open organization for other countries to join. Over the years, subregional associations have emerged within the CIS: the Central Asian Economic Community (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, with Russia, Georgia, Turkey and Ukraine accepted as observers) and GUUAM (Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Moldova). In 1996, the Customs Union was created, uniting the economic space of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan (later Tajikistan joined them. In October 2000, the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) was formed on the basis of the customs union. They continue to form among the member countries CIS and military-political associations (for example, the Collective Security Treaty).

Form of government (administrative-territorial structure of states) is an important element of the political map of the world. It is directly related to the nature of the political system and the form of government, reflects the national-ethnic (in some cases also religious) composition of the population, and the historical and geographical features of the formation of the country.

There are two main forms of administrative-territorial structure - unitary and federal.

Unitary state - this is a single integral state entity, consisting of administrative-territorial units that are subordinate to the central authorities and do not possess signs of state sovereignty. In a unitary state there is usually a single legislative and executive power, unified system government bodies, a single constitution. There are an overwhelming majority of such states in the world.

Federation - a form of organization in which several state entities, legally possessing a certain political independence, form one union state.

Characteristic features of the federation:

the territory of the federation consists of the territories of its individual subjects (for example, states - in Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Lydia, USA; provinces - in Argentina, Canada; cantons - in Switzerland; lands - in Germany and Austria; republics, as well as other administrative entities ( autonomous okrugs, territories, regions - in Russia);

Subjects of the federation are usually given the right to adopt their own constitutions;

the competence between the federation and its subjects is delimited by the union constitution;

each subject of the federation has its own legal and judicial system;

in most federations there is a single union citizenship, as well as citizenship of union units;

a federation usually has a unified armed forces and a federal budget.

In a number of federations, the union parliament has a chamber representing the interests of members of the federation.

However, in many modern federal states the role of general federal bodies is so great that they can essentially be considered unitary rather than federal states. Thus, the constitutions of such federations as Argentina, Canada, the USA, Germany, Switzerland do not recognize the right of members of the federation to leave it.

Federations are built on territorial (USA, Canada, Australia, etc.) and national characteristics (Russia, India, Nigeria, etc.), which largely determine the nature, content and structure of government.

Confederation - is a temporary legal union of sovereign states created to ensure their common interests (members of the confederation retain their sovereign rights both in internal and external affairs). Confederate states are short-lived: they either disintegrate or turn into federations (examples: the Swiss Union, Austria-Hungary, as well as the USA, where a federation of states was formed from a confederation established in 1781, enshrined in the US Constitution of 1787).

Unlimited monarchy.

A) Absolute monarchy.

Absolute monarchy - a monarchy in which all supreme power legally and actually belongs to one person - the monarch, who has the right to individually make laws, appoint and dismiss ministers at his own discretion, administer justice, etc.

Under absolutism, there are no legal acts limiting the powers of the monarch, there is no parliament elected by the people, whose participation in the publication of laws and control over government would be mandatory.

Absolute monarchy exists to this day, for example, in Saudi Arabia and Oman, Qatar.

Limited monarchy.

B) Estate-representative (dualistic) monarchy.

Estate-representative (dualistic) monarchy appeared in Europe in the 16th–17th centuries. as an expression of a certain compromise between the bourgeoisie and the nobility. There are currently no dualist monarchies in Europe. Like the shape government it has been preserved in Jordan, Morocco, the Principality of Bhutan, and Kuwait.

In a dualistic monarchy, parliament has legislative power, and the monarch, being the head of state, simultaneously exercises executive power - he forms the government and directs its activities. In a dualistic monarchy, there are two political institutions - the monarch and parliament, which share state power among themselves.

The main features of a dualistic monarchy:

1) The power of the monarch is inherited;

2) The monarch appoints the government, to which legislative power is transferred;

3) All other power belongs to the monarch, to whom the government is accountable.

4) The monarch has the right to reject a law (veto power) adopted by parliament and the right to dissolve parliament.

C) Constitutional (parliamentary) monarchy.

Constitutional (parliamentary) monarchy – the monarch does not have real powers to govern the state; legislative power in such a monarchy belongs to parliament, and executive power belongs to the government, which is formed by parliament and headed by the prime minister, also appointed by parliament.

States with this form of government include: Great Britain, Spain, Japan, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Thailand, etc.

The main features of a constitutional (parliamentary) monarchy:

1) the government is formed from the parliamentary majority;

2) the leader of the party that wins the elections becomes prime minister;

3) the government is accountable to parliament, not to the monarch;

4) legislative acts adopted by parliament and formally signed by the monarch, since he does not have the right of suspensive veto;

5) the monarch cannot take part in the activities of the government, although he is considered the head of state;

6) the monarch is a symbol of statehood and plays a mainly ceremonial role (for example, in Japan);

7) the only feature that has been preserved from a true monarchy within the framework of a parliamentary monarchy is succession to the throne.

Republic.

Republic – a form of government in which government power is exercised by elected bodies elected by the population for a specified term.

Republics are divided into parliamentary (Austria, Italy, Germany), presidential (France, USA), mixed (Russia), super-presidential (Latin American countries).
A) Parliamentary republic.

Signs of a parliamentary republic:

1. The government is formed from among the deputies of parliament who are members of the party that won the elections.

2. The government is accountable to parliament and bears collective responsibility to it for its activities.

3. The head of state (president) is elected by parliament or a parliamentary panel.

4. The government remains in power as long as it enjoys the support of the parliamentary majority.

B) Presidential republic.

Signs of a presidential republic:

1. The government is appointed by the president and approved by parliament.

2. The government is accountable to the president, not parliament.

3. The president is elected by the population of the country through direct elections or indirectly through the electoral college.

4. The president can simultaneously be the head of government (for example, in the USA).

5. The President has the right of suspensive veto on decisions of parliament, and also has the right to dissolve parliament and call new elections.

B) Mixed type.

Signs of a mixed type republic:

1. The President is elected by the population, i.e. without the participation of parliament and appoints the government.

2. The government is responsible to parliament, which, having expressed no confidence in the government, can dismiss it.

3. The president has broad powers, including the leadership of the executive branch, but he does not head the government.

4. Executive power is exercised by the government, which is headed by the prime minister (or chairman of the government). It is formed by the president, but the government must enjoy the confidence of parliament.

D) Super-presidential republic.

Signs of a super-presidential republic:

1. The President is elected by the population and becomes the owner of all power in the state.

The president, without parliamentary approval, appoints members of the government who are accountable to him and whom he can dismiss without the approval of parliament.

3. The President, without the consent of Parliament, may announce a referendum.

4. The president has the right to dissolve parliament, but parliament does not have the right to override the president’s suspensive veto and does not have the right to remove the president from office.

Transitional forms from monarchy to republic.

A) Elective monarchy.

For example, in Malaysia, the sultans of nine states elect a head of state from among themselves for a period of five years. However, not everyone can be elected, but only the hereditary sultan of the state. Elections are similar in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Supreme power is exercised by the Council of Emirs, which essentially performs the functions of parliament and government. The emirs elect a head of state from among themselves for a period of five years.

B) Monocratic republic.

On the one hand, this is a republic, since the president is first elected by the people, on the other, there are clear features of a monarchy, since then the president proclaims himself president for life with the unwritten right to transfer power by inheritance. Such republics are, for example, Tunisia, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea.

123456Next ⇒

Date of publication: 2015-02-03; Read: 403 | Page copyright infringement

Studopedia.org - Studopedia.Org - 2014-2018 (0.002 s)…

The meaning of the term Constitutional Monarchy in the Law Encyclopedia

Constitutional Monarchy- a form of government in which the monarch, although he is the head of state, however, unlike an absolute or unlimited monarchy, his power is limited by the constitution. Constitutional Monarchy It is customary to divide it into dualistic and parliamentary. In a dualistic (dualism - duality) monarchy, state power is shared by the monarch and parliament, elected by everyone or certain part population. Parliament exercises legislative power, the monarch exercises executive power. He appoints a government that is responsible only to the front. Parliament does not influence the formation, composition and activities of the government. The legislative powers of parliament are limited, the monarch has the right of absolute veto (i.e., without his approval, the law does not come into force). He can issue his acts (decrees) having the force of law. The monarch has the right to appoint members of the upper house of parliament, dissolve parliament, often for an indefinite period of time, while it depends on him when new elections will take place, and for the corresponding period he has full power. Jordan and Morocco are considered states with a dualistic monarchy.

In a parliamentary monarchy, parliament occupies a dominant position. has supremacy over the executive branch. The government is officially and actually dependent on parliament. It answers only to parliament. The latter has the right to control the activities of the government; if parliament expresses no confidence in the government, it must resign. Such a monarch is characterized by the words “reigns, but does not rule.” The monarch appoints the government or head of government, however depending on which party (or coalition of them) has a majority in parliament. The monarch either does not have the right of veto, or exercises it at the direction (“advice”) of the government. He cannot make laws. All acts emanating from the monarch are usually prepared by the government; they must be sealed (countersigned) with the signature of the head of government or the relevant minister, without which they have no legal force. At the same time, one should not consider. Attribute the monarch in a parliamentary monarchy only as a decorative figure or a relic left over from feudal times. The presence of a monarchy is considered one of the factors of internal stability of the state system. The monarch stands above the party struggle and demonstrates political neutrality. In his addresses to parliament, he can raise problems that are important for the state, requiring legislative solutions and the consolidation of society. Parliamentary monarchies - Great Britain, Belgium, Japan, Denmark, Spain, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Thailand, Nepal, etc. ". Avakyan S.A.

Next to the word Constitutional Monarchy in the Law Encyclopedia

Article about Constitutional Monarchy has been read 2988 times

Constitutional monarchies in which executive power is exercised by a monarch. The government in a parliamentary monarchy is responsible only to parliament. Monarchy is a form of government in which supreme state power belongs to the monarch.

An essential feature of a constitutional monarchy is that the status of the monarch is limited not only formally and legally, but also in fact. In a dualistic monarchy, the usual legal way of limiting the power of the monarch is to decree that no command of his is valid until it is confirmed by the appropriate minister.

Absolute monarchy

In a republic, executive power belongs to the government. By absolute we mean this type of monarchy when the power of the autocrat is almost unlimited. By constitutional we mean this type of monarchy when the supreme state power of the ruler is limited by the constitution.

Great Britain is the oldest constitutional monarchy in the world. The King (currently Queen Elizabeth II) is considered the head of state as well as the British-led Commonwealth. Japan is practically the only empire in the world. The emperor of the country is a symbol of the state and the unity of the nation, although all legislative and executive power belongs to the parliament and the cabinet of ministers.

Another type of monarchy is theocratic, when the monarch is the head of the church. A unitary (from Latin unitas - unity) state is a form of government in which its territory does not contain self-governing entities.

They have a certain political independence, although they are part of one union state. In other countries, for example Germany and the USA, with historical and geographical features. IN modern world There are just over 230 states and self-governing territories with international status. It would seem that in the modern world there is a clear advantage on the side of republican states.

And it is absolutely obvious that they do not belong to the category of advanced states. Third place goes to the countries of Polynesia, and fourth to Africa, where currently only three full-fledged monarchies remain: Morocco, Lesotho, Swaziland, plus several hundred “tourist” ones. Of course, the monarchy does not automatically solve all social, economic and political problems.

That is why even those countries where it exists only nominally, say, Canada or Australia, are in no hurry to get rid of the monarchy. AND we're talking about not only about the monarchies of Scandinavia, where even Soviet agitprop in monarchical Sweden managed to find a version of “socialism with human face».

England has a monarchy

As historical experience shows, in multinational states the integrity of the country is primarily associated with the monarchy. Among the currently existing monarchies, there are many that are openly absolutist in essence, although they are forced, as a tribute to the times, to dress up in the garb of popular representation and democracy. So the monarchy is not an addition to stability and prosperity, but an additional resource that makes it easier to endure illness and recover faster from political and economic adversity.

And now a little about the features of the African monarchy. Be that as it may, they are still present in different countries, and this reality must be taken into account. But there are also cases of restoration of the monarchy (in Spain after the death of dictator General Franco).

However, in many developing countries, the monarchy, being a feudal institution, limits the development of democracy.

Estate monarchy

Therefore, when studying constitutional law, we do not limit ourselves to stating the fact of monarchy, but distinguish between certain types of it: absolute, dualistic and parliamentary. The first of them is characterized by legally, and often actually, unlimited power of the monarch, the other two are constitutional monarchies, the power of the head of state is limited, although to varying degrees.

The family council and the Muslim religion are of particular importance in the management system in the unique absolute monarchies that currently exist. Thus, the absolute monarchies that exist in our time are absolutist-theocratic. By their social character, modern absolute monarchies are not completely feudal states.

Monarchy states

In a dualistic monarchy there is a constitution (often also given to the people by the monarch), a parliament, without whose participation laws cannot be adopted. In fact, in such a monarchy, as a result of the influence of traditions, the role of the personality of the monarch, as well as other, including religious, factors, the power of the king is even greater than that established by the constitution.

Some monarchies, which are constitutionally closer to parliamentary (Jordan, Morocco, Nepal), are in fact dualistic.

Legal limits on the power of the monarch may be enshrined in higher laws, such as statutes, or in precedent decisions handed down by the highest courts. At the same time, ministers are responsible only to the monarch himself, and are appointed or removed by him. In such states, the monarch's duty to obey parliament in the legislative sphere is ensured by the right of parliament to vote the budget.

The monarch “reigns but does not rule”; he represents his state, is its symbol. The political system of each country is characterized by the form of government and state-territorial structure.

The republican form of government is especially widespread, since 75% of all countries in the world are republics. A republic is a form of government in which the highest legislative power belongs to parliament, which is an elected body. They can be a king, an emperor, a prince, a sultan, an emir, or a shah. In monarchical states, power is inherited.

CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY is a type of monarchical form of government, a state in which the power of the monarch is significantly limited by an elected representative body (parliament). There are two main forms of government: republic and monarchy. An example of a theocratic monarchy is the Vatican.

Read also:

Lower Testicle permalink

Distinctive features of a unitary state

1. The entirety of state power is concentrated at the level of the state as a whole, territorial parts do not have independence;

2. Government bodies are built in the form of a single hierarchical system with subordination to one center (the legislative body has a unicameral structure);

3. Single-level legislative system (there is a single constitution at the level of the entire country);

4. Having a single citizenship.

Types of unitary states

Simple unitary state- there are no autonomous entities, the territory of such a state either has no administrative-territorial division at all (Malta, Singapore), or consists only of administrative-territorial units (Poland, Slovakia, Algeria).

Complex unitary state- consists of one or more autonomous entities, which differ in:

Territorial autonomy - a certain part of a unitary state in a place of compact residence of a nationality, formed due to historical, geographical or other characteristics, is given the right to independently resolve some issues of national importance. For example, the possibility of forming their own supreme authorities, adopting their own legislative acts, introducing a national language on an equal basis with the state language (Denmark, Azerbaijan, France, China).

Extraterritorial autonomy - the right to independently resolve some issues of national importance is granted to ethnic minorities living in different parts of the country, and not in a certain territory (Croatia, Macedonia).

Also, depending on the degree of subordination of the administrative-territorial units of a unitary state to the central authorities, the following are distinguished:

Centralized unitary state- strict subordination of local government bodies, which are formed from the center, their independence is insignificant (Mongolia, Thailand, Indonesia).

Decentralized unitary state- local government bodies are independently formed and managed by the population; they are not directly subordinate to central government bodies, but are accountable (Great Britain, Sweden, Japan).

Federation(from lat.

“foederatio” - association, union) is a complex, union state, parts of which are state entities with limited state sovereignty. It is based on the distribution of management functions between the center and the subjects of the federation.

Distinctive features of a federal state

1. Subjects of jurisdiction and powers are divided between the state as a whole (federation) and its constituent parts (subjects of the federation), there is also joint competence on certain issues;

2. A two-tier system of government bodies, according to which there are separate federal bodies and bodies of the subjects of the federation (the parliament at the federation level has a bicameral structure - the upper house represents the interests of the subjects of the federation, in addition, the subjects also form their local parliaments);

3. Two-level system of legislation (the constitution and laws exist both at the level of the federation and at the level of each subject);

4. Along with general federal citizenship, the subjects of the federation, as a rule, have the opportunity to establish their own citizenship.

Types of federations

According to the method of formation of the subjects of the federation, they are distinguished:

Territorial federation(administrative) - a federal state in which all its constituent entities are formed according to geographical, historical, economic and other characteristics (USA, Brazil, Mexico).

National Federation- a federal state, the constituent parts of which are divided according to national-linguistic criteria based on the various peoples living in them. (Belgium, India, former USSR and Yugoslavia).

National Territorial Federation(mixed) - a federal state, the formation of which is based on both territorial and national principles of formation of subjects (Russia).

According to the method of formation of the federation itself, there are:

Constitutional Federation- a federation formed as a result of the decentralization of a unitary state, which is based on a specially adopted constitution (Pakistan, India).

Treaty federation(union) - a federation formed as a result of the unification of independent states on the basis of a union treaty (USA, UAE, USSR).

Mixed federation(constitutional-contractual) - a state in which the processes of decentralization and unification proceed in parallel, as a result of which the state is based on both contractual and constitutional methods of forming a federation (Russia).

Confederation(from Late Latin “confoederatio”) - a temporary union of states created to achieve political, economic, cultural and other goals. It is a transitional form of state, later either transformed into a federation, or again breaks up into a number of unitary states (as happened with the United Arab Republic and Senegambia).

At one time, the confederations were the Confederate States of America (1776-1789), Germany (1815-1867), Switzerland (1815-1848). At the moment, with a certain degree of convention, the Union State of Russia and Belarus can be considered as a confederation. Modern Switzerland, according to the Constitution, formally continues to be called a confederation, although in fact it has long been a federal state.

Signs of the Confederacy

1. The constituent parts are sovereign states possessing full governmental power;

2. Each union state has its own system of authorities and armed forces, only the highest coordinating bodies are formed at the confederation level;

3. Each union state has its own constitution and system of legislation; at the confederation level, its own constitution can be adopted, but unified legislation, as a rule, is not created (any decision of a single confederal body requires approval by each member state);

4. There is no single citizenship of the confederation;

5. Each state has the right to secede from the confederation when achieving its goals.

63. Form of government- an element of the form of the state that determines the system of organization of the highest bodies of state power, the procedure for their formation, terms of activity and competence, as well as the order of interaction of these bodies with each other and with the population, and the degree of participation of the population in their formation

The form of government shows:

how the highest authorities in the state are created,

their structure,

what principles underlie interaction between government bodies,

how the relationship is built between the supreme power and ordinary citizens,

to what extent the organization of state bodies allows ensuring the rights and freedoms of citizens.

Monarchy- a form of government where the highest state power belongs to the sole head of state - the monarch, who occupies the throne by inheritance and is not responsible to the population.

Distinctive features of the monarchy

1. The sole head of state is the monarch, who receives his power by inheritance;

2. The monarch is legally irresponsible (it is impossible to remove the monarch from power).

Types of monarchies

Absolute monarchy(unlimited) - a state in which the monarch is the only supreme body in the country and all the fullness of state power is concentrated in his hands (Saudi Arabia, Oman). A special type is the theocratic monarchy (Vatican City).

Limited monarchy- a state in which, in addition to the monarch, there are other bodies of state power that are not accountable to him, and state power is dispersed among all the highest authorities, the power of the monarch is limited on the basis of a special act (Constitution) or tradition. In turn, a limited monarchy is divided into:

Estates-representative monarchy- a monarchy in which the power of the monarch is limited based on the tradition of forming bodies according to the criterion of belonging to a certain class (Zemsky Sobor in Russia, Cortes in Spain) and playing the role, as a rule, of an advisory body. Currently, there are no such monarchies in the world.

Constitutional monarchy- a monarchy in which the power of the monarch is limited on the basis of a special act (the Constitution), where there is another supreme body of power, formed through the election of representatives of the people (parliament). In turn, the constitutional monarchy is divided into:

Dualistic monarchy- a state in which the monarch has full executive power and also has some legislative and judicial powers. A representative body in such a state exists and carries out legislative functions, but the monarch can impose an absolute veto on adopted acts and, at his discretion, dissolve the representative body (Jordan, Morocco).

Parliamentary monarchy- a state in which the monarch is only a tribute to tradition and does not have any significant powers. State structure in such a monarchy is built on the principle of separation of powers (Great Britain, Japan, Denmark).

Republic- a form of government in which the highest bodies of state power are elected by the people or are formed by special representative institutions for a certain period of time and bear full responsibility to the voters.

“Plan of State Transformations” by M. Speransky

1. Constitutional tradition in Russia

Types of monarchies in the modern world

2.2 Constitutional monarchy

Bourgeois-democratic revolutions in the XVII-XVIII centuries. tried to overcome the obvious shortcomings of an absolute monarchy, sought to create moderate forms of government...

German bourgeois law of the 19th century

1.1 Constitutional history of Germany

Germany is a state in Central Europe. It borders nine states.

The area of the country is about 357 thousand square meters. km, population - 81.9 million people (2002). Religion in this country is far from the last place...

Constitutional axiology

4. Constitutional axiology

Constitutionalism is one of the main elements of the legal system that determines the meaning and purpose of the Constitution Russian Federation, and forms an idea of “what should happen, although perhaps it never happens”...

Constitutional duties and constitutional responsibility of citizens of the Russian Federation

2. Constitutional responsibility in the Russian Federation

Defining the guidelines for the proper social and personal attitude of a citizen to the interests of the state and society, the main responsibilities are in the nature of legal categories...

Constitution of the Russian Federation

4. Constitutional responsibility

Constitutional law is characterized by the presence of its own potential to ensure the effectiveness of its norms, i.e. own institute of legal responsibility...

Monarchy as a form of government

Chapter 3. Constitutional monarchy

As can be seen from the contents of the previous chapter, absolute monarchy, although it continues to operate as a form of government in some states of the East, is still gradually degenerating...

Monarchy as a form of government: history and modernity

2.1 England's constitutional monarchy

I chose England as an example of a modern monarchy not by chance, but for a number of reasons. Firstly, this is the most striking and traditional example of a constitutional monarchy to date. Secondly...

Fundamentals of the German constitutional system

Chapter I. Brief constitutional history

Germany as a geographical area has been found in written sources since ancient times. Throughout the Middle Ages and modern times, there were various German unions and German states...

Peculiarities of legal proceedings in the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation on complaints of violation of the constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens

2.2 Constitutional complaint

Criteria for admissibility of a complaint. Article 97 of the Law allows a complaint about a violation of constitutional rights and freedoms by law if: 1) the law affects the constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens; 2) the law has been applied or is subject to application in a particular case...

Judicial power in foreign countries

4. Constitutional justice

judicial constitutional administrative prosecutor's office legal profession The constitutions of foreign states usually establish the basis for the organization, activities and legal status of constitutional courts...

Federal intervention in the Russian Federation

§ 3 Constitutional responsibility

Constitutional responsibility extends to all participants in constitutional and legal relations who have constitutional legal personality...

Form of territorial (state) structure

3.2 Constitutional model of Russian federalism

The adoption of the new Constitution of the Russian Federation on December 12, 1993 was of utmost importance. Despite all the skeptical statements, she survived, and for 17 years now Russia has been living according to its standards, gradually implementing the ideas embedded in it...

Legal liability

2.4.6 CONSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

The existence of constitutional responsibility is causing heated debate. Nevertheless…

Legal responsibility of a person

2.1 Constitutional

The Constitution is the “law of laws”, which has the highest legal force and is the legal basis for all current legislation.

All laws and other acts of state bodies are issued on the basis and in accordance with the Constitution...

In the modern world there are just over 230 states and self-governing territories with international status. Of these, only 41 states have a monarchical form of government, not counting several dozen territories under the authority of the British Crown. It would seem that in the modern world there is a clear advantage on the side of republican states. But upon closer examination, it turns out that these countries mostly belong to the third world and were formed as a result of the collapse of the colonial system. Often created along colonial administrative boundaries, these states are very unstable entities. They can fragment and change, as can be seen, for example, in Iraq. They are engulfed in ongoing conflicts, like a significant number of countries in Africa. And it is absolutely obvious that they do not belong to the category of advanced states.

Today, the monarchy is an extremely flexible and diverse system ranging from the tribal form, successfully operating in the Arab states of the Middle East, to the monarchical version of the democratic state in many European countries.

Here is a list of states with a monarchical system and the territories under their crown:

* Andorra - co-princes Nicolas Sarkozy (since 2007) and Joan Enric Vives i Sicilha (since 2003)
* Belgium - King Albert II (since 1993)
* Vatican - Pope Benedict XVI (since 2005)
* Great Britain - Queen Elizabeth II (since 1952)
* Denmark - Queen Margrethe II (since 1972)
* Spain - King Juan Carlos I (since 1975)
* Liechtenstein - Prince Hans-Adam II (since 1989)
* Luxembourg - Grand Duke Henri (since 2000)
* Monaco - Prince Albert II (since 2005)
* Netherlands - Queen Beatrix (since 1980)
* Norway - King Harald V (since 1991)
* Sweden - King Carl XVI Gustaf (since 1973)

* Bahrain - King Hamad ibn Isa al-Khalifa (since 2002, emir 1999-2002)
* Brunei - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (since 1967)
* Bhutan - King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk (since 2006)
* Jordan - King Abdullah II (since 1999)
* Cambodia - King Norodom Sihamoni (since 2004)
* Qatar - Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani (since 1995)
* Kuwait - Emir Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah (since 2006)
* Malaysia - King Mizan Zainal Abidin (since 2006)
* United Arab Emirates UAE - President Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan (since 2004)
* Oman - Sultan Qaboos bin Said (since 1970)
* Saudi Arabia - King Abdullah ibn Abdulaziz al-Saud (since 2005)
* Thailand - King Bhumibol Adulyadej (since 1946)
* Japan - Emperor Akihito (since 1989)

* Lesotho - King Letsie III (since 1996, first time in 1990-1995)
* Morocco - King Mohammed VI (since 1999)
* Swaziland - King Mswati III (since 1986)

* Tonga - King George Tupou V (since 2006)

Dominions

In the dominions, or Commonwealth kingdoms, the head is the monarch of Great Britain, represented by the governor-general.

* Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda
* Bahamas Bahamas
* Barbados
* Belize
* Grenada
*Canada
* Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
* Saint Kitts and Nevis
* Saint Lucia
* Jamaica

* Australia
* New Zealand
* Niue
* Papua New Guinea
* Solomon Islands
* Tuvalu

Asia holds first place in the number of countries with monarchical statehood. This is a progressive and democratic Japan. Leaders of the Muslim world - Saudi Arabia, Brunei, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman. Two monarchical confederations - Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. And also Thailand, Cambodia, Bhutan.

Second place belongs to Europe. Monarchy here is represented not only in a limited form - in countries occupying leading positions in the EEC (Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, etc.). But also the absolute form of government is in “dwarf” states: Monaco, Liechtenstein, Vatican.

Third place goes to the countries of Polynesia, and fourth place to Africa, where currently only three full-fledged monarchies remain: Morocco, Lesotho, Swaziland, plus several hundred “tourist” ones.

However, a number of republican countries are forced to put up with the presence of traditional local monarchical or tribal formations on their territory, and even enshrine their rights in the constitution. These include: Uganda, Nigeria, Indonesia, Chad and others. Even countries such as India and Pakistan, which abolished the sovereign rights of local monarchs (khans, sultans, rajas, maharajas) in the early 70s of the 20th century, are often forced to accept the existence of these rights, which is called de facto. Governments turn to the authority of holders of monarchical rights when resolving regional religious, ethnic, cultural disputes and other conflict situations.

Stability and prosperity

Of course, the monarchy does not automatically solve all social, economic and political problems. But, nevertheless, it can provide a certain amount of stability and balance in the political, social and national structure of society. That is why even those countries where it exists only nominally, say, Canada or Australia, are in no hurry to get rid of the monarchy. The political elite of these countries for the most part understands how important it is for the balance in society that the supreme power is a priori consolidated in the same hands and that political circles do not fight for it, but work in the name of the interests of the entire nation.

Moreover, historical experience shows that the best social security systems in the world were built in monarchical states. And we are talking not only about the monarchies of Scandinavia, where even Soviet agitprop in monarchical Sweden managed to find a version of “socialism with a human face.” Such a system has been built in the modern countries of the Persian Gulf, where there is often much less oil than in some fields of the Russian Federation. Despite this, in the 40-60 years since the Gulf countries gained independence, without revolutions and civil wars, liberalization of everything and everyone, without utopian social experiments, in conditions of tough, sometimes absolutist, political system, in the absence of parliamentarism and a constitution, when all the mineral wealth of the country belongs to one ruling family, from poor Bedouins herding camels, the majority of citizens of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other neighboring states have turned into quite wealthy citizens.

Without going into endless enumeration of the advantages of Arabic social system, you can give just a few strokes. Any citizen of the country has the right to free medical care, including that provided in any, even the most expensive, clinic located in any country in the world. Also, any citizen of the country has the right to free education, coupled with free maintenance, in any higher educational institution in the world (Cambridge, Oxford, Yale, Sorbonne). Young families are provided with housing at the expense of the state. The monarchies of the Persian Gulf are truly social states in which all conditions have been created for the progressive growth of the well-being of the population.

Turning from flourishing Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar to their neighbors in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula, who for a number of reasons abandoned the monarchy (Yemen, Iraq, Iran), we will see a striking difference in internal climate these states.

Who strengthens the unity of the people?

As historical experience shows, in multinational states the integrity of the country is primarily associated with the monarchy. We see this in the past, in the example of the Russian Empire, Austria-Hungary, Yugoslavia, and Iraq. The monarchical regime that comes to replace it, as was the case, for example, in Yugoslavia and Iraq, no longer has the same authority and is forced to resort to cruelties that were not characteristic of the monarchical system of government. At the slightest weakening of this regime, the state, as a rule, is doomed to collapse. This happened with Russia (USSR), we see this in Yugoslavia and Iraq. The abolition of the monarchy in a number of modern countries would inevitably lead to the cessation of their existence as multinational, united states. This primarily applies to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia. Thus, the year 2007 clearly showed that in the conditions of the parliamentary crisis that arose due to national contradictions between Flemish and Walloon politicians, only the authority of King Albert II of the Belgians kept Belgium from disintegrating into two or even more independent state entities. In multilingual Belgium, a joke was even born that the unity of its people is held together by only three things - beer, chocolate and the king. Whereas the abolition of the monarchical system in 2008 in Nepal plunged this state into a chain of political crises and permanent civil confrontation.

The second half of the 20th century gives us several successful examples the return of peoples who experienced an era of instability, civil wars and other conflicts to a monarchical form of government. The most famous and, undoubtedly, largely successful example is Spain. Having gone through the civil war, economic crisis and right-wing dictatorship, it returned to the monarchical form of government, taking its rightful place among the family of European nations. Another example is Cambodia. Also, monarchical regimes at the local level were restored in Uganda, after the fall of the dictatorship of Marshal Idi Amin (1928-2003), and in Indonesia, which, after the departure of General Mohammed Hoxha Sukarto (1921-2008), is experiencing a true monarchical renaissance. One of the local sultanates was restored in this country two centuries after it was destroyed by the Dutch.

Restoration ideas are quite strong in Europe, especially in the Balkan countries (Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Bulgaria), where many politicians, public and spiritual figures constantly have to speak out on on this occasion, and in some cases, provide support to the heads of the Royal Houses who were in exile. This is proven by the experience of King Leki of Albania, who almost carried out an armed coup in his country, and the stunning successes of King Simeon II of Bulgaria, who created his own national movement named after him, managed to become the prime minister of the country and is currently the leader of the largest opposition party in the parliament of Bulgaria, which was part of the coalition government.

Among the currently existing monarchies, there are many that are openly absolutist in essence, although they are forced, as a tribute to the times, to dress up in the garb of popular representation and democracy. European monarchs in most cases do not even use the rights given to them by the constitution.

And here special place The Principality of Liechtenstein occupies the map of Europe. Just sixty years ago it was a large village, which by an absurd accident gained independence. However, now, thanks to the activities of Prince Franz Joseph II and his son and successor Prince Hans Adam II, this is one of the largest business and financial centers, which has managed not to succumb to promises of creating a “single European house”, to defend its sovereignty and an independent view of its own state device.

Stability of political and economic systems Most monarchical countries make them not only not outdated, but progressive and attractive, forcing them to be equal to them in a number of parameters.

So the monarchy is not an addition to stability and prosperity, but an additional resource that makes it easier to endure illness and recover faster from political and economic adversity.

Without a king at the head

There is a fairly common situation in the world when there is no monarchy in a country, but there are monarchs (sometimes they are located outside the country). The heirs of royal families either lay claim (even formally) to the throne lost by their ancestors, or, having lost official power, retain real influence on the life of the country. Here is a list of such states.

The monarchy ceased to exist in 1918 after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The contender for the throne is Archduke Otto von Habsburg, son of the deposed Emperor Charles.

The monarchy ceased to exist in 1944 after the communists came to power. The pretender to the throne is Leka, the son of the deposed king Zog I.

Andorra Principality, whose nominal co-rulers are the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell (Spain); some observers consider it necessary to classify Andorra as a monarchy.

Afghanistan

The monarchy ceased to exist in 1973 after the overthrow of King Mohammed Zahir Shah, who returned to the country in 2002 after many years in Italy, but did not actively participate in political life.

Benin Republic,

Traditional kings (Ahosu) and tribal leaders play an important role in its life. The most famous is the current reigning king (ahosu) of Abomey - Agoli Agbo III, the 17th representative of his dynasty.

Bulgaria

The monarchy ceased to exist after the overthrow of Tsar Simeon II in 1946. Decree on the nationalization of lands belonging to royal family, was canceled in 1997. Since 2001 former king holds the post of Prime Minister of Bulgaria under the name of Simeon of Saxe-Coburg Gotha.

Botswana

Republic since independence in 1966. The deputies of one of the chambers of the country's parliament - the House of Chiefs - include the chiefs (Kgosi) of the eight largest tribes in the country.

Brazil

Republic since the abdication of Emperor Don Pedro II in 1889. The contender for the throne is the great-great-grandson of the abdicated emperor, Prince Luis Gastao.

Burkina Faso

Republic since independence in 1960. The country is home to a large number of traditional states, the most significant of which is Vogodogo (in the territory of the country's capital, Ouagodougou), where the current ruler (moogo-naaba) Baongo II is on the throne.

Theocracy (some analysts consider it a form of monarchy - an absolute theocratic monarchy - but it should be borne in mind that it is not and cannot be hereditary).

The republic has been a nominal monarchy since 1946; before that, since 1918, the regent ruled in the absence of the king. Until 1918, it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (the emperors of Austria were also kings of Hungary), so the potential contender for the Hungarian royal throne is the same as in Austria.

East Timor

Republic since independence in 2002. There are a number of traditional states on the territory of the country, the rulers of which have the titles of rajas.

The monarchy in the country finally ceased to exist in 1955, when, following a referendum, a republic was proclaimed in South Vietnam. Previously, in 1945, the last Emperor Bao Dai had already abdicated the throne, but the French authorities returned him to the country in 1949 and gave him the post of head of state. The contender for the throne is the emperor's son, Prince Bao Long.

Republic since 1970 (from independence in 1965 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). In 1995, Yvonne Prior, a Dutch woman from Suriname, was recognized as the reincarnation of one of the kings of antiquity and proclaimed queen of the Mandingo people.

Republic since 1960 (from independence in 1957 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). The Constitution of Ghana guarantees the right of traditional rulers (sometimes called kings, sometimes chiefs) to participate in the management of the affairs of the state.

Germany

Republic since the overthrow of the monarchy in 1918. The contender for the throne is Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia, great-great-grandson of Kaiser Wilhelm II.

The monarchy officially ended as a result of a referendum in 1974. King Constantine of Greece, who fled the country after the military coup in 1967, currently lives in the UK. In 1994, the Greek government stripped the king of his citizenship and confiscated his property in Greece. The royal family is currently challenging this decision in International Court on human rights.

Republic since independence in 1991. The contender for the throne of the Georgian kingdom, which lost its independence as a result of annexation to Russia in 1801, is Georgiy Iraklievich Bagration-Mukhransky, Prince of Georgia.

The monarchy existed until the overthrow of King Ahmad Fuad II of Egypt and Sudan in 1953. Currently, the former king, who was just over a year old at the time of the loss of the throne, lives in France.

The monarchy ended in 1958 as a result of a revolution in which King Faisal II was killed. Claims to the Iraqi throne are made by Prince Raad bin Zeid, brother of King Faisal I of Iraq, and Prince Sharif Ali bin Ali Hussein, grandnephew of the same king.

Iran The monarchy ceased to exist in 1979 after the revolution that overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The contender for the throne is the son of the deposed Shah, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.

The monarchy ceased to exist in 1946 as a result of a referendum, King Umberto II was forced to leave the country. The contender for the throne is the son of the last king, Crown Prince Victor Emmanuel, Duke of Savoy.

The republic emerged from the unification of North and South Yemen in 1990. In North Yemen, the monarchy ceased to exist in 1962. The sultanates and principalities in South Yemen were abolished after the declaration of independence in 1967. The contender for the throne is Prince Akhmat al-Ghani bin Mohammed al-Mutawakkil.

Republic since independence in 1960. The country is home to a large number of traditional sultanates, the heads of which often occupy high government positions. Among the most famous traditional rulers is Sultan Bamuna Ibrahim Mbombo Njoya, Sultan (baba) of the kingdom of Rey Buba Buba Abdoulaye.

Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo, former Zaire)

Republic since independence in 1960. There are a number of traditional kingdoms throughout the country. The most famous are: the kingdom of Cuba (on the throne is King Kwete Mboke); the kingdom of Luba (king, sometimes also called emperor, Kabongo Jacques); the state of Ruund (Lunda), headed by the ruler (mwaant yaav) Mbumb II Muteb.

Congo (Republic of Congo)

Republic since independence in 1960. In 1991, the country's authorities restored the institution of traditional leaders (reconsidering their decision 20 years ago). The most famous of the leaders is the head of the traditional Teke kingdom - King (UNKO) Makoko XI.

(DPRK and the Republic of Korea) The monarchy ceased to exist in 1945 due to the surrender of Japan, in 1945-1948 the country was under the control of the Allied powers that won the Second World War, in 1948 two republics were proclaimed on the territory of the Korean Peninsula. Due to the fact that from 1910 to 1945 the rulers of Korea were vassals of Japan, they are usually considered to be part of the Japanese imperial family. The contender for the Korean throne is the representative of this family, Prince Kyu Ri (sometimes his last name is written as Lee). On the territory of the DPRK, there is a de facto hereditary form of government, but de jure it is not stipulated in the country’s legislation.

Ivory Coast

Republic since independence in 1960. On the territory of the country (and partly on the territory of neighboring Ghana) is the traditional kingdom of Abrons (ruled by King Nanan Adjumani Kuassi Adingra).

The monarchy ended in 1975 as a result of the communist revolution. In 1977, all members of the royal family were sent to a concentration camp ("re-education camp"). The king's two sons, Prince Sulivong Savang and Prince Danyavong Savang, were able to escape from Laos in 1981-1982. There is no official information about the fate of the king, queen, crown prince and other family members. According to unofficial reports, they all died of starvation in a concentration camp. Prince Sulivong Sawang, as the eldest surviving male of the clan, is the formal contender for the throne.

The monarchy ceased to exist in 1969. After the coup organized by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, King Idris I, who was abroad during the coup, was forced to abdicate. The contender for the throne is the official heir of the king (the adopted son of his cousin), Prince Mohammed al-Hasan al-Rida.

Republic since 1966 (from the declaration of independence in 1964 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). An important role in the political life of the country is played by the paramount leader (inkosi ya makosi) Mmbelwa IV of the Ngoni dynasty.

Maldives

The monarchy ceased to exist after a referendum in 1968 (during the period of British rule, that is, before the declaration of independence in 1965, the country had already become a republic once for a short time). The formal contender for the throne, who, however, never declared his claims, is Prince Mohammed Nureddin, the son of the Sultan Maldives Hassan Nureddin II (reigned 1935-1943).

The monarchy ceased to exist in 1867 after the execution by revolutionaries of the ruler of the empire proclaimed in 1864, Archduke Maximilian of Austria. Earlier, in 1821-1823, the country had already been independent state with a monarchical form of structure. Representatives of the Iturbide dynasty, whose ancestor was the Mexican emperor during this period, are pretenders to the Mexican throne. The head of the Iturbide family is Baroness Maria (II) Anna Tankle Iturbide.

Mozambique

Republic since independence in 1975. The country is home to the traditional state of Manyika, whose ruler (mambo) is Mutasa Paphiwa.

(until 1989 Burma) Republic since independence in 1948. The monarchy ceased to exist in 1885 after the annexation of Burma to British India. The contender for the throne is Prince Hteiktin Taw Paya, grandson of the last king Thibau Min.

Republic since independence in 1990. A number of tribes are governed by traditional rulers. The role of traditional leaders is evidenced by the fact that Hendrik Witbooi served as deputy head of government for several years.

Republic since independence in 1960. There are a number of traditional states on the territory of the country. Their rulers and tribal elders choose their political and religious leader, who bears the title of Sultan of Zinder (the title is not hereditary). Currently, the title of the 20th Sultan of Zinder is held by Haji Mamadou Mustafa.

Republic since 1963 (from independence in 1960 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). There are about 100 traditional states on the territory of the country, the rulers of which bear both the familiar-sounding titles of Sultan or Emir, as well as more exotic ones: Aku Uka, Olu, Igwe, Amanyanabo, Tor Tiv, Alafin, Oba, Obi, Ataoja, Oroje, Olubaka, Ohimege (most often this means “leader” or “supreme leader”).

Palau (Belau)

Republic since independence in 1994. Legislative power is exercised by the House of Delegates (Council of Chiefs), which consists of the traditional rulers of Palau's 16 provinces. The greatest authority is enjoyed by Yutaka Gibbons, the paramount chief (ibedul) of Koror, the main city of the country.

Portugal

The monarchy ceased to exist in 1910 as a result of the escape from the country of King Manuel II, who feared for his life due to an armed uprising. The contender for the throne is Dom Duarte III Pio, Duke of Braganza.

The monarchy ceased to exist after the February Revolution of 1917. Although there are several contenders for the Russian throne, most monarchists recognize Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, the great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Alexander II, as the legal heir.

The monarchy ceased to exist after the abdication of King Michael I in 1947. After the collapse of communism, the former king visited his native country several times. In 2001, the Romanian parliament granted him the rights of a former head of state - a residence, a personal car with a driver and a salary of 50% of the salary of the country's president.

Along with Montenegro, it was part of Yugoslavia until 2002 (the remaining republics left Yugoslavia in 1991). In Yugoslavia, the monarchy finally ceased to exist in 1945 (since 1941, King Peter II was outside the country). After his death, his son, the heir to the throne, Prince Alexander (Karageorgievich), became the head of the royal house.

United States of America

Republic since independence in 1776. The Hawaiian Islands (annexed to the United States in 1898, gained statehood in 1959) had a monarchy until 1893. The contender for the Hawaiian throne is Prince Quentin Kuhio Kawananakoa, a direct descendant of the last Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani.

Tanzania

The republic was formed in 1964 as a result of the unification of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. On the island of Zanzibar, shortly before the unification, the monarchy was overthrown. The 10th Sultan of Zanzibar, Jamshid bin Abdullah, was forced to leave the country. In 2000, the Tanzanian authorities announced the rehabilitation of the monarch and that he had the right to return to his homeland as an ordinary citizen.

The monarchy ended in 1957, the year after independence was declared. The contender for the throne is Crown Prince Sidi Ali Ibrahim.

Türkiye Proclaimed a republic in 1923 (the sultanate was abolished a year earlier, and the caliphate a year later). The contender for the throne is Prince Osman VI.

Republic since 1963 (from independence in 1962 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). Some traditional kingdoms in the country were eliminated in 1966-1967 and almost all were restored in 1993-1994. Others managed to avoid liquidation.

Philippines

Republic since independence in 1946. There are many traditional sultanates in the country. 28 of them are concentrated in the area of Lake Lanao (Mindanao Island). The Philippine government officially recognizes the confederation of Sultans of Lanao (Ranao) as a political force representing the interests of certain segments of the island's population. At least six people representing two clans claim the throne of the Sultanate of Sulu (located on the archipelago of the same name), which is explained by various political and financial benefits.

The monarchy was abolished in 1871. Heirs lay claim to the French throne various genera: Prince Henry of Orléans, Count of Paris and Duke of France (Orléanist pretender); Louis Alphonse de Bourbon, Duke of Anjou (legitimist pretender) and Prince Charles Bonaparte, Prince Napoleon (Bonapartist pretender).

Central African Republic

After gaining independence from France in 1960, a republic was proclaimed. Colonel Jean-Bedel Bokassa, who came to power in 1966 as a result of a military coup, proclaimed the country an empire and himself emperor in 1976. In 1979, Bokassa was overthrown and the Central African Empire once again became the Central African Republic. The contender for the throne is Bokassa's son, Crown Prince Jean-Bedel Georges Bokassa.

Chad Republic since independence in 1960. Among the numerous traditional states on the territory of Chad, two should be highlighted: the Bagirmi and Wadari sultanates (both were formally liquidated after the declaration of independence and restored in 1970). Sultan (mbang) Bagirmi - Muhammad Yusuf, Sultan (kolak) Vadari - Ibrahim ibn Muhammad Urada.

Montenegro See Serbia

The monarchy ceased to exist in 1975 after the abolition of the post of emperor. The last of the reigning emperors was Haile Selassie I, who belonged to the dynasty, the founders of which are considered to be Menelik I, the son of Solomon, king of Israel, by the Queen of Sheba. In 1988, in a private ceremony in London, Haile Selassie's son Amha Selassie I was proclaimed the new Emperor of Ethiopia (in exile).

South African Republic

Since 1961 (from independence in 1910 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). Tribal leaders (amakosi) play an important role in the life of the country, as well as the ruler of the traditional kingdom of KwaZulu, Goodwill Zwelithini KaBekuzulu. Separately, it is worth highlighting the supreme leader of the Tembu tribe, Baelekhai Dalindyebo a Sabata, who, in accordance with the customs of the tribe, is considered the nephew of former South African President Nelson Mandela. The leader of the tribe is also famous politician, Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Gatshi Buthelezi is from the Buthelezi tribe. During the apartheid period, the South African authorities created ten "autonomous" tribal entities called Bantustans (homelands). In 1994

And now a little about the features of the African monarchy.

African autocrats.

Benin. Joseph Langanfen, a member of the Abomi dynasty, is the president of KAFRA, the council royal families abomi.

The scions of the dynasties that entered the history of Africa before the beginning of the twentieth century are the bearers of the secret power with which “modern governments” must coexist.

Unlike the Indian Maharjas, they have survived the upheavals of history and exist, as it were, in parallel world, which remains very real. However, for some Africans they represent a backward, archaic system that has succumbed to Western colonization. They are accused of tribal conservatism, which interferes with traditional African societies move towards the formation of modern states.

For others, these kings are the guarantors of the old culture in the face of an uncertain future. Be that as it may, they are still present in different countries, and this reality must be taken into account.

Nigeria. Igwe Kenneth Nnaji Onimeke Orizu III. Obi (king) of the Nnewi tribe. When he was proclaimed king in 1963, Igwe was a farmer and his 10 wives bore him 30 children. Situated in the east of the Niger River, the tribe's main city has several millionaires.

Benin. Agboli-Agbo Dejlani. King of abomi. A former policeman, he had to wait six years for retirement before finally being proclaimed in a secret ceremony the head of one of the Abomi clans. By nature, the monogamous king had to take two more wives, as required by rank.

Nigeria. In 1980, Sijuwade became the 50th oni (king) of Ilfa, one of the oldest African dynasties. Today it is richest businessman, owning extensive property in Nigeria and England

Cameroon. Fon (king) Banjuna is the brother of the brave and powerful animals. At night, he can turn into a panther and hunt in a shroud. Previously chief administrator and the head of the cabinet of the Cameroonian Minister of Finance, Kamga Joseph is now the 13th von of his tribe.

Ghana. Ocediyo ado Danqua III. A graduate of the University of London and an economic adviser to the Ghanaian government, King Akropong has spent the last sixteen years living in the "holy places" of the Akuarem-Ason, one of the seven major clans of the Akan tribe.

Congo. Nyimi Kok Mabintsh III, King of Cuba. Now he is 50, he ascended the throne at the age of 20. He is considered a descendant of the creator god and the possessor of supernatural powers. He has no right to sit on the ground or cross cultivated fields. And no one has ever seen him eat.

South Africa. Goodwill Zwelethini, King of the Zulu. He is a direct descendant of the legendary Chaka Zulu, the founder of the kingdom, whose military genius is sometimes compared to Napoleon.

Nigeria. Oba Joseph Adekola Ogunoye. Olovo (king) of the Ovo tribe. 600 years ago, the first monarch of the dynasty fell in love with a beautiful girl who turned out to be a goddess. She became his wife, but demanded that every year the people hold festivals in her honor with a sacrifice. This still happens, but human sacrifices - necessarily a man and a woman - were replaced by a sheep and a goat.

Cameroon. Hapi IV, King of Bana. This royal dynasty associated with a real tragedy. In the mid-12th century, several Bamileke clans settled in small villages around Ban. Legend has it that one of the village chiefs, Mfenge, was accused of witchcraft. In order to justify himself, he cut off his mother's head, and the corpse was studied by local shamans. Claims that witchcraft was transmitted through the "womb" were not proven, and Mfenge himself was made king.

These are Their African Majesties. 21st century.

Today, monarchies are an extremely flexible and diverse system ranging from the tribal form that successfully operates in the Arab states of the Middle East to the monarchical version of a democratic state in many European countries.

Here is a list of states with a monarchical system and the territories under their crown:

Europe

Andorra - co-princes François Hollande and Joan Enric Vives i Sicilia (since 2003)
Belgium - King Albert II (since 1993)
Vatican - Pope Francis (since 2013)
Great Britain - Queen Elizabeth II (since 1952)
Denmark - Queen Margrethe II (since 1972)
Spain - King Philip VI (since 2014)
Liechtenstein - Prince Hans-Adam II (since 1989)
Luxembourg - Grand Duke Henri (since 2000)
Monaco - Prince Albert II (since 2005)
Netherlands - Queen Beatrix (since 1980)
Norway - King Harald V (since 1991)
Sweden - King Carl XVI Gustaf (since 1973)

Asia and Arab monarchies

Bahrain - King Hamad ibn Isa al-Khalifa (since 2002, emir 1999-2002)
Brunei - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (since 1967)
Bhutan - King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk (since 2006)
Jordan - King Abdullah II (since 1999)
Cambodia - King Norodom Sihamoni (since 2004)
Qatar - Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani (since 1995)
Kuwait - Emir Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah (since 2006)
Malaysia - King Mizan Zainal Abidin (since 2006)
United Arab Emirates UAE - President Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan (since 2004)
Oman - Sultan Qaboos bin Said (since 1970)
Saudi Arabia - King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud (since 2015)
Thailand - King Bhumibol Adulyadej (since 1946)
Japan - Emperor Akihito (since 1989)

Africa

Lesotho - King Letsie III (since 1996, first time 1990-1995)
Morocco - King Mohammed VI (since 1999)
Swaziland - King Mswati III (since 1986)

Second place belongs to Europe. Monarchies are represented here not only in a limited form - in countries occupying leading positions in the EEC (Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, etc.). But also the absolute form of government is in dwarf states: Monaco, Liechtenstein, the Vatican.

Third place goes to the countries of Polynesia, and fourth to Africa, where currently only three full-fledged monarchies remain: Morocco, Lesotho, Swaziland, plus several hundred “tourist” ones.

For many centuries, in almost the entire civilized world, power was organized according to the type of monarchy. Then the existing system was overthrown by revolutions or wars, but there are still states that consider this form of government acceptable for themselves. So, what types of monarchy are there and how do they differ from each other?

Monarchy: concept and types

The word “μοναρχία” existed in ancient Greek and meant “unique power.” It is easy to guess that monarchy in the historical and political sense is a form of government in which all power or most of it is concentrated in the hands of one person.

The monarch is called differently in different countries: emperor, king, prince, king, emir, khan, sultan, pharaoh, duke, and so on. Transfer of power by inheritance - characteristic feature which distinguishes monarchy.

The concept and types of monarchies are an interesting subject for study by historians, political scientists and even politicians. A wave of revolutions, starting with the Great French Revolution, overthrew such a system in many countries. However, in the 21st century modern views monarchies successfully continue to exist in Great Britain, Monaco, Belgium, Sweden and other countries. Hence the numerous debates on the topic of whether the monarchical system limits democracy and whether such a state can develop intensively?

Classic signs of a monarchy

Numerous types of monarchy differ from each other in a number of characteristics. But there is also general provisions, which are inherent in most of them.

There are examples in history when some types of republic and monarchy bordered so closely on each other in terms of political structure that it was difficult to give the state an unambiguous status. For example, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was headed by a monarch, but he was elected by the Sejm. Some historians call the controversial political regime of the Republic of Poland a gentry democracy.

Types of monarchy and their characteristics

There are two large groups monarchies that formed:

according to the limitations of monarchical power;
taking into account the traditional structure of power.

Before examining in detail the characteristics of each form of government, it is necessary to determine the existing types of monarchy. The table will help you do this clearly.

Absolute monarchy

Absolutus - translated from Latin as “unconditional”. Absolute and constitutional are the main types of monarchy.

An absolute monarchy is a form of government in which unconditional power is concentrated in the hands of one person and is not limited to any government structures. This way political organization is similar to a dictatorship, since in the hands of the monarch there may be not only the fullness of military, legislative, judicial and executive power, but even religious power.

During the Age of Enlightenment, theologians began to explain the right of one person to individually control the fate of an entire people or state by the divine exclusivity of the ruler. That is, the monarch is God's anointed on the throne. The religious people sacredly believed in this. There are known cases when terminally ill French people came to the walls of the Louvre on certain days. People believed that by touching the hand of Louis XIV, they would receive the desired healing from all their illnesses.

There are different types of absolute monarchy. For example, absolute theocratic is a type of monarchy in which the head of the church is also the head of state. The most famous European country with this form of government - the Vatican.

Constitutional monarchy

This form of monarchical government is considered progressive because the power of the ruler is limited to ministers or parliament. The main types of constitutional monarchy are dualistic and parliamentary.

In a dualistic organization of power, the monarch is given executive power, but no decision can be made without the approval of the relevant minister. Parliament retains the right to vote the budget and pass laws.

In a parliamentary monarchy, all levers of government are actually concentrated in the hands of parliament. The monarch approves ministerial candidates, but parliament still nominates them. It turns out that the hereditary ruler is simply a symbol of his state, but without the approval of parliament he cannot make a single nationally important decision. In some cases, parliament can even dictate to the monarch on what principles he should build his personal life.

Ancient Eastern monarchy

If we were to analyze in detail the list describing the types of monarchy, the table would begin with ancient Eastern monarchical formations. This is the first form of monarchy that appeared in our world, and it had peculiar features.

Ruler in such government entities a community leader was appointed who managed religious and economic affairs. One of the main duties of the monarch was to serve the cult. That is, he became a kind of priest, and organizing religious ceremonies, interpreting divine signs, preserving the wisdom of the tribe - these were his primary tasks.

Since the ruler in the eastern monarchy was directly connected with the gods in the minds of the people, he was given quite broad powers. For example, he could interfere in the internal affairs of any family and dictate his will.

In addition, the ancient Eastern monarch monitored the distribution of lands among his subjects and the collection of taxes. He established the scope of work and duties and led the army. Such a monarch necessarily had advisers - priests, noble people, elders.

Feudal monarchy

The types of monarchy as a form of government have transformed over time. After the ancient Eastern monarchy, the feudal form of government took precedence in political life. It is divided into several periods.

The early feudal monarchy emerged as a result of the evolution of slave states or the primitive communal system. As is known, the first rulers of such states were generally recognized military commanders. Relying on the support of the army, they established their supreme power over the peoples. To strengthen his influence in certain regions, the monarch sent his governors there, from whom the nobility was subsequently formed. The rulers did not bear any legal responsibility for their actions. In practice, institutions of power did not exist. The ancient Slavic state - Kievan Rus - fits this description.

After a period of feudal fragmentation, patrimonial monarchies began to form, in which large feudal lords inherited not only power, but also lands to their sons.

Then, for some time in history, an estate-representative form of government existed, until most states turned into absolute monarchies.

Theocratic monarchy

Types of monarchy, differing in traditional structure, include in their list the theocratic form of government.

In such a monarchy, the absolute ruler is the representative of the religion. With this form of government, all three branches of power pass into the hands of the clergy. Examples similar states in Europe, they were preserved only on the territory of the Vatican, where the Pope is both the head of the church and the state ruler. But in Muslim countries there are a few more modern theocratic-monarchical examples - Saudi Arabia, Brunei.

Types of monarchy today

The flames of revolution failed to eradicate the monarchical system throughout the world. This form of government has been preserved in the 21st century in many respected countries.

In Europe, in the small parliamentary principality of Andorra, as of 2013, two princes ruled at once - Francois Hollande and Joan Enric Vives i Sicil.

In Belgium, King Philippe ascended the throne in 2013. A small country with a smaller population than Moscow or Tokyo, it is not just a constitutional parliamentary monarchy, but also a federal territorial system.

Since 2013, the Vatican has been headed by Pope Francis. The Vatican is a city-state that still maintains a theocratic monarchy.

The famous parliamentary monarchy of Great Britain has been ruled by Queen Elizabeth II since 1952, and Queen Margrethe II has ruled in Denmark since 1972.

In addition, the monarchical system has been preserved in Spain, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Order of Malta, Monaco and many other countries.