Image source: thefederalist.com
A monarchy is a form of government with a hereditary chain of command. The leader is designed as the king or the queen. Only a member of this loyal family can rule the government in the event of death or overthrowing of the current ruler.
Monarchies were common in the 19th century but in today’s government, only 45 sovereign nations are ruled by monarchies. Here are the biggest pros and cons of a monarchy government.
Pros:
1. Reduced corruption: The rulers in monarchies are the government and benefit a lot from their position and in return, everyone is identified with the ruler creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
2. Quick decisions: Monarchies have one person who makes decisions and these decisions are met with few arguments regarding the new set policies, rules or regulations.
3. Results in more savings for the government: In a monarchy, there are no elections done thus reducing the huge amount of money used in contacting elections.
4. Reduced political polarization: In most monarchies, the ruler has the final say and there will be fewer political disagreements. The government always proposes policies in line with what the monarchy wants.
5. Rulers trained from birth: Monarchy successors are trained from birth on how to take the throne, unlike the traditional politicians who learn about leading a nation in the adult years.
6. Transparent chain of command: In this ruling, everyone knows who will be the successor of the active ruler since their chain of command is simplified.
7. Act in the interest of everyone: Monarchies move forward as one loyal nation and this ensures decisions are made for the best interest of everyone.
8. Long-term goals are met: A monarchy rules for life and once he/she sets a long-term plan, he pursues it to the end unlike in traditional politicians where long-term plans are scrapped off once the term for the political leader is over.
9. Advocates for strong defense: Monarchies have consolidative powers which advocate for strong defensive posture resulting in fortified border and more internal security to people.
10. A single form of contact for foreign governments: In a monarchy, there is a single point of contact; either the monarch or the ruling group.
Cons:
1. Leads to poor governance: In a monarchy, a single ruler governs the nation and the public doesn’t have the power to dethrone him if he is not performing as expected.
2. Invests power to a single person: The rulers always have the final say even though they are assisted by advisors, but once they make the decision, no one is allowed to question his/her decision.
3. No checks or balances: The ruler report to no one thus he/she only rules based on what they want rather than on what people want.
4. No democracy: Once the monarch makes decisions, that’s it, he cannot be held accountable for decisions made and people are not allowed to debate on the decisions made.
5. Competency not guaranteed: Monarchs hold the position through inheritance and it is difficult to know whether the monarch who succeeds the previous ruler is capable of leading the nation.
6. Promote wealth inequality: In monarchies, the ruler and his ministers can amass a lot of wealth while the public remains poor since they can’t get higher positions offered to the ruling class.
7. You are only powerful as you are allowed: In this type of government, you can thrive if the king or queen wants you to. A businessman has the freedom to operate within a monarchy but if the ruler stops you, you’re out of business.
8. The ruler may not be serious: Monarch successors always know they will rule the nation for decades and may not take their responsibility seriously and this may affect the economy of the nation.
9. There is little that can be done to stop monarch powers: If the monarch is oppressive, violent, or corrupt, there is little that can be done to solve this unless the monarch dies or give up the throne.
10. Creates a system of class within the society: Class structures in monarchs are solidified with different social classes. There is no upward communication for individual levels.
