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A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch is limited by a constitution. Many modern constitutional monarchies have elected parliaments and the monarch’s powers are mostly ceremonial. The UK established this model, while other countries have different variations. The monarch remains a figure of influence.
A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a hereditary or elected monarch acts as the sole head of state but is limited by a constitution rather than having unlimited power, as would be the case in an absolute monarchy. In a constitutional monarchy, the constitution sets the parameters of the monarch’s power and dictates what he or she is permitted to do. Many modern constitutional monarchies, also called limited monarchies, also have elected parliaments or congresses and may have other officials, such as prime ministers, who serve as heads of government. This type of constitutional monarchy often makes the monarch’s powers mostly ceremonial, because although he may officially pass laws, make declarations, or perform other executive duties, the monarch is often obligated by the constitution to do so only with the approval of other officials, such as the prime minister and the parliament.
History and practice
One of the first instances of a true constitutional monarchy was the result of Britain’s Glorious Revolution of 1688. The revolution, promulgated by a group of disaffected Members of Parliament, led to the Bill of Rights 1689 and the Act of Settlement Act, both of which it placed direct limitations on the power exercised by the monarch. Both the Bill of Rights and the Act of Settlement still remained in force in the UK into the early 21st century.
Most modern constitutional monarchies follow the model of government established by the United Kingdom. While the monarchs of these countries retain their titular roles, parliaments that have been democratically elected and are headed by a prime minister possess and exercise the vast majority of effective power, including the ability to make and pass laws. Depending on the constitution in place, a country’s monarch might hold certain reserve powers, such as the power of veto, but in most cases the role of the monarch has become of primarily symbolic importance.
However, not all constitutional monarchies have followed the British lead. In the German constitutional monarchy created in 1871, the head of state, called the kaiser, continued to wield great executive influence, including the power to declare war and to appoint the head of government, the chancellor. Though in existence for nearly 50 years, this form of constitutional monarchy largely fell out of favor after Germany’s defeat in World War I.
An influential figure
In many countries where constitutional monarchies exist, much attention is paid to the actions of the monarch, even if his or her power is significantly limited. While many of these rulers choose to remain politically neutral, disputes can arise when a monarch becomes directly involved in political decisions. While his actual political power may be limited, the monarch typically remains a figure of great influence.
