Monarchical power. Types of monarchies and their characteristics

1) form of state; 2) a form of government in which supreme state power is concentrated in the hands of one head of state - the monarch and is inherited.

Excellent definition

Incomplete definition ↓

MONARCHY

from Greek monos - one, arche - beginning) - a form of government in which the functions of the head of state are transferred according to the principle of inheritance.

It is believed that monarchy as a form of government appeared in the most ancient tribal societies simultaneously with a change in the method of inheritance totemic sign- the more ancient method of inheritance through the female line was replaced by transmission through the male line, as indicated by some myths, as well as studies of the social structure of some modern tribes standing at the lowest levels of social development.

Monarchy is the oldest form of government. The basis of monarchical rule was initially based on the sacred possibility of communication between the monarch and the other world and other taboo (sacred, forbidden) possibilities, and the most ancient monarchical power was not reduced to management in the current understanding, but to the implementation of certain restrictions that were ritual in nature and sometimes very strict. Thus, in Ancient Egypt during the first dynasties, the main duty of the pharaohs was to participate in ritual processions, and the main function was to notify about the beginning of the Nile flood; in the XI–XIV centuries. The Emperor of Japan had to sit completely motionless in the throne room for several hours every morning, because his slightest movement threatened to disrupt the harmony in the state, wars, floods, fires and other disasters. A number of restrictions, especially during hostilities, were imposed on the Irish kings, and in Cambodia, where there was a king of fire and a king of water, the restrictions imposed on them were so severe that during the 16th–19th centuries. (i.e., all the time while this process was observed by various colonial missionaries) monarchs were appointed literally by force. The same thing is happening today in some tribes of equatorial Africa.

It was the exorbitant restrictions imposed on the monarch that led to the separation of the sacred and administrative functions, and, moving to the priestly class, the sacred function placed the priests higher socially than the monarchs, as evidenced, for example, by the caste structure of Indian society, where the Brahman caste stands above the caste Kshatriyas, or the formal supremacy of the Pope over the kings of medieval Europe.

However, the partially sacred function of monarchical power has been preserved to this day, as evidenced by the universally defined ritual (protocol) associated with it, originally created to prevent direct communication ordinary people with monarchs (taboo and threat to life) and allowing only communication through intermediaries (priests, ministers). It is enough to recall the method that existed in Russian society of directly addressing the monarch in the form of a “petition”, which was carried out with strict adherence to ceremonial (protective) actions, such as: falling to your knees, bowing your head to the ground as a sign of great fear of possible consequences and, in fact, “beating with the forehead.”

Depending on the principle of inheritance of power, the monarchy can be dynastic, tribal and elective.

Tribal monarchy is probably one of the most ancient types of monarchical structure, since it carries the largest number of features associated with the archaic sacred function. Its meaning boils down to the fact that only a member of a certain clan, possessing a certain sacred power, that is, in fact, having great authority, can become a monarch. A similar way of life was characteristic of the pre-Columbian states of Central and South America, as well as numerous tribes of Africa, Australia and Oceania. Partly similar look monarchy existed in Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rus'.

Dynastic monarchy probably originated in ancient Egypt. It is characterized by the transfer of power from father to son or to another close relative(for example, to a brother, as was the case in Ancient Rus'). This is the most common type of monarchy, which has survived and still exists, for example, in Great Britain, Monaco, Denmark, Sweden, Japan (where the Mikado dynastic branch has never been suppressed in more than a thousand years of the country's history) and in some other countries.

The emergence of an elective monarchy is associated with the refusal of applicants to voluntarily take the place of the monarch, at least in this form (when the monarch is elected by a council of elders, often by force) it exists in some tribes of Africa and Polynesia. However, elective monarchy was practiced from time to time in ancient Greece, in ancient Rome, in Byzantium, in Poland and even in Rus', where monarchs were elected several times (repeatedly in Novgorod and then twice in the time of troubles in Moscow).

However this method succession to the throne showed itself to be unviable. Such monarchies, completely devoid of a sacred component, either tend to regain it, acquiring dynastic features (as was the case in Ancient Rome, where the consular method of government led to the restoration of the once lost dynastic system), or, on the contrary, give way to democracy, where the ruler belongs to certain blood is not of decisive importance (as in Novgorod, where the monarch was elected mainly for the duration of the war or for other tactical reasons). The France of Napoleon I and Napoleon III provides us with an excellent example of both processes.

Historical types of monarchies include patriarchal or traditional monarchies (characteristic of traditional societies); sacred monarchies, or theocracies (where the primary functions of the monarch are priestly or spiritual: for example, Ancient Egypt, the Islamic Caliphate); despotic monarchies developing in militarized societies (Assyria, Ancient Armenia, Mongol Horde); estate and estate-representative monarchies (for example, pre-Petrine Rus'); absolute monarchies based on the delegation of power to bureaucrats in the absence of aristocratic and democratic institutions (France in the 17th century); constitutional monarchies, implementing the principles of the “social contract” and separation of powers and limiting the power of the king by the constitution; autocratic or autocratic monarchies, in which the monarch is absolutely sovereign and is the sole source of laws, and the state functions in interaction and community (symphony) with the Church (Byzantium, Russian Empire).

Like any other method of government, monarchy has its advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages of a monarchy is the independence of the monarch (after all, in the case of an election, the head of state owes his election to a military or financial group, which means that during the reign he will defend the interests of this group, and not the people as a whole, which is not the case under a monarchy). In addition, the special legal position of the monarch, allowing important decisions to be made quickly, such as quickly canceling harmful law, pardon the convicted person, etc. (A. Pushkin said in this regard that “there should be one person in the state who is above even the law”).

The supremacy (sovereignty) of the monarch is a particularly valuable quality during periods of wars and other crises. Unity of command is an unconditional blessing in such cases. It should be noted, however, that almost all democratic states have a mechanism for delegating emergency powers to presidents or other authorized persons at such special moments.

The most important advantage of the monarchy is its symbolic component. The monarch, as a symbol of the unity of the nation, as its conscience, redeemer and protector, as a person with the highest authority and trust, carries enormous ideological meaning and thereby opens the way for important national achievements, for mass enthusiasm, for patriotism, for heroism.

I. A. Ilyin writes about the fundamental basis of the subjects’ trust in the monarch - their confidence that the monarch “puts himself before the face of God and himself measures his deeds and decisions by the criteria of divine revelation.” In this trust, the king and the people are united as one, placing themselves on the court of history.

The monarchy is an important tool of unification and a symbol of unity, among other things, due to its ability to maintain the informality of the relationship between the monarch and the subject. In Russia, even addressing the landowner “on your face” (as required by the concept introduced at the end of the 18th - early XIX centuries French form), the Russian peasant continued to address the Tsar “on you.” Unlike democracies, which are characterized by frequent changes of power, a monarchy assumes that a person vested with supreme power will be guided in his actions not by concern for the upcoming elections, but by responsibility to God, history and the people.

One more important function the monarch, as a person above the law, is the function of the highest judge, who can punish, but can also pardon, regardless of the severity of the crime. This seemingly insignificant function turned out to be so important that the exclusive powers to pardon came under the purview of many elected presidents of the republics. Its echoes can be found in the division of English law into actually 2 branches: the Court of the King and the Court of Honor, which is a consequence of an attempt to contrast the court “by law” (court of honor) with the court of “justice” (court of the king).

The advantage of the monarchy is the ability to effectively promote the most talented people to leadership positions. In republican systems, the head of state will inevitably fear competition from a talented minister or general, and therefore, hold him back. The monarch, by virtue of his position, does not participate in competitive relations, and in addition, he himself is interested in promoting talented people to preserve the dynasty and the country. Moreover, the monarch is also the guarantor of the presence of opposition in society. He has nothing to fear from the “freedoms of the people,” since they do not threaten him in any way. If they do not encroach on the change of the monarchical system itself, then criticism of the government can be regarded as an important positive function, and the opposition can always find protection from the monarch against the government’s use of “administrative resources.”

A monarch is also a measure of society’s idealized ideas about honor and dignity, loyalty and duty, the highest values, adherence to which is a sign of a person’s highly spiritual life. Regarding negative traits monarchy, then its main drawback is in itself, in its basic principle - the principle of succession to the throne. For if democracy implies at least the theoretical possession of outstanding qualities by the head of state, then the monarch cannot necessarily possess them. And this despite the fact that he is invested with supreme power, which turns not only the tyrant and usurper, but also ordinary mediocrity into a great disaster for the people.

The above-legal and above-class position of the monarch, being an immutable benefit in times of war and other upheavals, can become a source of evil for citizens of the state in times of peace. The Byzantine historian Michael Psellus reports that the half-brother of Vasily II, also Vasily, was castrated by his own brother in order to forestall the possible claims of a relative to the throne. The historian reports this in such a way that we have no doubt that the emperor’s actions were dictated by the highest state considerations, since there is no more important state consideration for a monarchy than maintaining the throne.

However, the opposition of dynastic interests to the interests of the state had more serious consequences in history: it is enough to recall the dynastic wars in Ancient China and Ancient Rome, the Fronde and revolution in France, the revolution and restoration in England (not to mention the Hundred Years' War and the War of the Scarlet and White Roses). It was the primacy of dynastic interests over the interests of the people that led to Russia’s involvement in the First world war and to the subsequent fall of the empire.

The monarchy is often compared to a "strong presidency". However, despite all the similarities (broad powers, the right of pardon, the supreme command), there are a number of very significant differences between the monarchy and the presidential republic.

The president is not above the law and, being one of the sources of law, theoretically has the same rights as other citizens. The president is not an object of the sacred sphere and therefore delegates some of the functions back to the people, creating a field for greater freedom: freedom of activity or freedom of conscience.

The President is not a measure of nobility and morality, leaving the decision of ethical issues to the conscience of each citizen and turning them into personal ones.

The temporary nature of the president's stay in power seems to shift the emphasis of his activities from law-making to law-enforcement, implementation. And the opportunity for everyone to become the head of the state or, at least, to take part in elections, as well as their regularity, makes political processes less painful. After all, the only way for the people to get rid of the king is to revolt, and rebellion is the highest disaster for the state.

Probably due to the listed shortcomings, the monarchy, especially in its absolute manifestations, today is giving way to the republican method of government.

Approximately 40 states in the world (about 20% of all states) are monarchies. However, due to its merits, it still exists in constitutional forms in many developed countries(including such as Japan, Great Britain, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, etc.), where it takes on functions that are lost for many reasons by local religious institutions, i.e., performing a ceremonial and symbolic role , designed to serve as the embodiment of ideal public ideas about morality and intangible values, about patriotism.

In Russia, the number of supporters of the restoration of the monarchy is growing steadily. According to the latest data, about 20% of Russians consider this measure to be good for the country.

Excellent definition

Incomplete definition ↓

The emergence of the state

State- this is the organization of life in which there is unified system protecting the rights of people living in the same territory over which the state has sovereignty; relationships between them are regulated on the basis of common laws (or traditions), border protection is carried out; relationships with other states and peoples are regulated in one way or another.

The first forms of institutions of power and the first generally binding norms of behavior were formed already at the primitive stage of the development of society. This period is characterized by the absence political power and government institutions. Social norms during this period are in the nature of customs, traditions, rituals and taboos. In science, the question of whether these social norms can be considered law or proto-law is debatable.

The emergence of the state is hidden in ancient times. The idea of ​​the state flows from the very depths of human consciousness. For many millennia, peoples of all kinds of tribes and different degrees developments, by their inference and experience, have always and everywhere been led to this idea. The original unit of human society was the family, clan, tribe. The struggle between them led to the victory of one clan (tribe) over another or to a conciliatory agreement between several clans (tribes), as a result of which a state was established over them. unified power.

States arise and become stronger with the transition from a hunting and pastoral-nomadic life to an agricultural one. A community that has settled in place with all its goods and herds, connecting its fate with the sown field and the expected harvest, is naturally forced to defend and defend its possessions from the incoming hordes of conquerors who subject everything to devastation.

History shows that states emerge earlier where the climate and soil are favorable for agriculture: in the southern fertile countries, near big rivers(Assyria, Egypt). Also, states more easily achieve development and maturity in those places where the sea or mountains help defense from attacks and, at the same time, where land or river and sea routes of communication facilitate trade relations and create a permanent tide population to the center and low tide from it to the colonies (Greece, Rome). Finally, the creation of a powerful state has always been achieved by energetic and enterprising, hardworking and at the same time warlike peoples.

One of the most important features of the state is the close organic connection of the state with the law, which is an economically and spiritually determined normative expression of the will of society, a state regulator public relations. It is difficult to find an example in history when the state could do without law, and law without the state.

Thus, the state arose and strengthened in search of internal order and external security. In it people find the highest weapon to ensure the protection of their personal safety, their rights and freedoms. The question of the concept of state is as complex and ancient as the state itself.

One of greatest thinkers In antiquity, Aristotle believed that the state is “a self-sufficient communication of citizens who do not need any other communication and do not depend on anyone else.”

Types of monarchies and their characteristics.

Monarchy - a form of government in which supreme state power belongs to one person - the monarch (king, czar, emperor, sultan, emir, khan) and is inherited.

Signs of a monarchy:

• the existence of a single head of state who exercises his power for life;
• hereditary (according to the law of succession to the throne) order of succession supreme power;
• the monarch personifies the unity of the nation, the historical continuity of tradition, and represents the state in the international arena;

Types of monarchy:

Absolute monarchy- monarchy, which presupposes the unlimited power of the monarch. At absolute monarchy possible existing authorities are fully accountable to the monarch, and the will of the people can be officially expressed at most through an advisory body (currently Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar).

Constitutional monarchy- a monarchy in which the power of the monarch is limited by the constitution, unwritten law or traditions. Constitutional monarchy exists in two forms: dual monarchy (Austro-Hungarian Empire 1867-1918, Japan 1889-1945, currently exists in Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait and, with some reservations, also in Monaco and Liechtenstein) and parliamentary monarchy (currently Great Britain, Denmark, Sweden).

Parliamentary monarchy- a type of constitutional monarchy in which the monarch has no power and performs only a representative function. In a parliamentary monarchy, the government is responsible to parliament, which has more power than other government bodies (although this may vary from country to country).

Dualistic monarchy(lat. Dualis- dual) - a type of constitutional monarchy in which the power of the monarch is limited by the constitution and parliament in the legislative field, but within the framework set by them, the monarch has complete freedom to make decisions.

Benefits Monarchies as forms of government are usually called:

• A monarch, as a rule, is raised from childhood with the expectation that in the future he will become the supreme ruler of the state. This allows him to develop the qualities necessary for such a position and ensures that power in the course of democratic machinations will not be obtained by an incompetent or malicious person;
• The replacement of power occurs not on the basis of someone’s interests, but by accident of birth, which reduces the possibility of penetration into power by people for whom power is an end in itself.
• A monarch is naturally interested in leaving his son or daughter a prosperous country.

Disadvantages called monarchies.

Existence various forms rule in the modern world is determined by the historical features of the development of states in different parts Sveta. Specific events that took place in the fate of each nation provoked changes in the political system and in attitude towards the government of the country. Thus, forms of government developed in which decisions were made by a kind of popular assembly or any other association of several people. And in some states the authority and full power possessed by only one person, this type of power is called a monarchy.

Monarchy is a form of government in which supreme state power belongs to one person and, most often, is inherited. The sole ruler is called a monarch, and in different cultural traditions he acquires various names - king, king, prince, emperor, sultan, pharaoh, etc.

The key features of the monarchical system are:

• The presence of a single monarch who rules the state for life;
• Transfer of power by inheritance;
• The monarch represents his state on the international stage, and is also the face and symbol of the nation;
• The power of the monarch is often considered sacred.

Types of monarchy

In modern science, several types of monarchical power are distinguished. The main principle of classification of the concept is the degree of limitation of the power of the monarch. If a king, emperor or any other sole ruler has unlimited power, and all government bodies are accountable to him and completely subordinate, then such a monarchy is called absolute.

If the monarch is only a representative person, and his power is limited by the constitution, the powers of parliament or cultural tradition, then such a monarchy is called constitutional.

The constitutional monarchy, in turn, is divided into two branches. First type - parliamentary monarchy- assumes only the representative function of the monarch and his complete absence of power. And when dualistic monarchy the head of state has the right to make any decisions about the fate of the country, but only within the framework of the constitution and other laws approved by the people.

Monarchy in the modern world

Today, many countries still maintain a monarchical form of government. One of the most bright examples Great Britain is a parliamentary monarchy, where the monarch acts as a representative of a powerful country.

The traditional version of the monarchy, or absolute monarchy, remains in some African countries, for example, in Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda or South Africa.

Dual monarchies have survived in countries such as Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait, Monaco and Liechtenstein. In the last two states, the dualistic monarchy is not represented in pure form, but with some specific features.

In the modern world there are just over 230 states and self-governing territories that have 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:

Europe

* 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)

Asia.

* Bahrain - King Hamad ibn Isa al-Khalifa (since 2002, emir 1999-2002)
* Brunei - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (since 1967)
* Bhutan - King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck (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 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)

Africa

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

Oceania

* 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.

America

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

Oceania

* 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 political, social and national structure 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'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". Such a system was 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 independence of the Persian Gulf countries, without revolutions and civil wars, liberalization of everything and all, without utopian social experiments, in conditions of a rigid, sometimes absolutist, political system, in the absence of parliamentarism and a constitution, when all the bowels of the country belong to one ruling family, from poor Bedouins herding camels, the majority of citizens of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other neighboring countries have turned into quite wealthy citizens.

Without delving into the endless enumeration of the advantages of the Arab social system, just a few points can be given. 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, at 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 Arabian Peninsula who abandoned the monarchy for a number of reasons (Yemen, Iraq, Iran), we will see a striking difference in the internal climate of 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. Passed through civil war, economic crisis and right-wing dictatorship, she returned to the monarchical form of government, taking her rightful place among the family European peoples. 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 Balkan countries(Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Bulgaria), where many politicians, public and spiritual figures constantly have to speak out on this issue, 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.

Austria
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.
Albania
The monarchy ceased to exist in 1944 after the communists came to power. The contender for 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 current reigning king (ahosu) of Abomey is 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. Members of one of the country's parliamentary chambers, the House of Chiefs, include the chiefs (Kgosi) of the country's eight largest tribes.
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.
Vatican
Theocracy (some analysts consider it one of the forms of monarchy - an absolute theocratic monarchy - but it should be borne in mind that it is not and cannot be hereditary).
Hungary
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.
Vietnam
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.
Gambia
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 ancient kings and was proclaimed queen of the Mandingo people.
Ghana
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.
Greece
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 at the International Court of Human Rights.
Georgia
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.
Egypt
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.
Iraq
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.
Italy
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.
Yemen
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.
Cameroon
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 (oonko) Makoko XI.
Korea
(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).
Laos
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.
Libya
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 pretender to the throne is the official heir of the king ( adopted son his cousin) Prince Mohammed al-Hasan al-Rida.
Malawi
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).
Mexico
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.
Myanmar
(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 Thibaw Min.
Namibia
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.
Niger
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.
Nigeria
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.
Russia
The monarchy ceased to exist after February Revolution 1917. Although there are several contenders for the Russian throne, most monarchists recognize the rightful heir Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Alexander II.
Romania
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.
Serbia
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. On Hawaiian Islands(annexed to the United States in 1898, gained statehood in 1959) until 1893 there was a monarchy. 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.
Tunisia
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.
Uganda
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.
France
The monarchy was abolished in 1871. The heirs of various families claim the French throne: Prince Henry of Orleans, 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
Ethiopia
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, Haile Selassie's son, Amha Selassie I, was proclaimed the new Emperor of Ethiopia (in exile) in a private ceremony in London.
South Africa 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 he is a wealthy 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 is 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.

Monarchy- a form of government in which supreme power rests wholly or partly with a representative ruling dynasty– monarch (king, tsar, shah, etc.). The monarch inherits state power in in a certain order, acts as the sole head of state.

Signs of a monarchical form of government:

The existence of the sole bearer of the supreme state power;

Dynastic succession to supreme power;

Lifelong ownership of power by the monarch: the laws of the monarchy do not provide for the removal of the monarch from power;

Lack of legal responsibility of the monarch for his actions (for example, according to the Military Regulations of Peter I, the sovereign is “an autocratic monarch who should not give an answer to anyone in the world about his affairs”).

Monarchy is a very flexible and viable form of government. It arose in a slave-owning society. Under feudalism it became the main form of government. The monarchical form of government has not lost its significance and exists in a number of modern bourgeois states (England, Spain, etc.).

Types of monarchy. From the point of view of the complete power of the monarch, there are two types of monarchies: absolute and constitutional.

Absolute (unlimited) monarchy – form of government of a autocratic nature: the monarch single-handedly issues laws, directs the government, controls justice (Russia in the 17th – 18th centuries, absolute monarchies of the feudal era, in the modern period - Brunei). The main feature of an absolute monarchy is the unlimited and unaccountable power of the monarch. In such a state there is no parliament - a legislative body elected by the population; there are no constitutional acts limiting the power of the monarch.

Currently, absolute monarchy is a rare form of government. It is recognized that by all indicators it exists in Oman and Brunei. There is no representative body here; the king is also the supreme judge.

Absolute monarchy is inherent authoritarian regime. A type of absolute monarchy - theocratic monarchy, those. form of government in which the head of state simultaneously represents secular and religious authority(Saudi Arabia).

Constitutional (limited) monarchy - a form of government in which the power of the monarch is limited by an elected body - parliament - and a special legal act - the constitution. Here there is a distribution of powers of supreme power between a single body - the monarch and a collective body - parliament. Constitutional monarchy currently exists, for example, in Great Britain, Denmark, Belgium, Spain, Japan and other countries.

A constitutional monarchy can be dualistic and parliamentary. In a dualistic monarchy the organization of the highest bodies of state power is dual in nature: the monarch concentrates executive power in his hands, forms a government responsible to him, and legislative power belongs to parliament. At the same time, the monarch has the right to impose an absolute veto on laws adopted by parliament.

A dualistic monarchy arises in most cases at the junction of two historical eras– feudal and bourgeois. Currently, Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait and some other states are recognized as such.

For parliamentary monarchy The following features are characteristic:

The power of the monarch is limited in all spheres of state power, there is no dualism of any kind;

Executive power is exercised by the government, which is constitutionally responsible to parliament and not to the monarch;

The government is formed from representatives of the party that wins the elections;

The head of government becomes the leader of the party that has the largest number parliamentary seats in parliament;

Laws are passed by parliament, and their signing by the monarch is a formal act.

The monarch traditionally retains certain powers. It performs mainly representative functions and symbolizes the unity of the nation. In some states, he appoints the head of government. The position of the monarch exists due to the national commitment to the monarchical form of government, the recognition of the monarchy as the most appropriate form of state power.

The preservation of this type of monarchy is due to the cultural and historical heritage of the country, tribute to traditions, trust in the monarch, and the peculiarities of national thinking (mentality). Majority modern monarchies differ in these features, for example, Great Britain, Belgium, Spain, Japan, etc.