Get to Know the Governmental System of Monarchy

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The word monarch is derived from μνος (mónos), meaning "one, single" and ρχω (árkh), meaning "to rule". Thus, a monarchy can be defined as a form of government headed by a hereditary king or queen. It is one of the oldest forms of governmental system in the world.

A monarch holds the power of the executive, legislative, and judicial domains. However, not all types of monarchy practice this absolute power given to a monarch.

While some monarch countries certainly position their king or queen as both state leader and governmental head, some require parliament to run the country. 

Since its conception several centuries ago, the concept of monarchy continues to develop along with civilization. Hence, there are several types of monarchies implemented by various countries in the world. 

Below are four different types of monarchy:

1. Absolute monarchy

Citing Introduction to Public Administration (Pengantar Ilmu Pemerintahan), absolute monarchy can be defined as a governmental system where its monarch has absolute power. In absolute monarchy, a king or queen exercises power in their own rights, with the authority to make legally binding policies.

Countries with an absolute monarchy system are Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Vatican City, Brunei Darussalam, and Eswatini.

2. Constitutional monarchy

Also known as limited monarchy, countries with this system have a central government body such as parliament. The king and queen of a constitutional monarchy exercise their power under the law in accordance with the constitution and are not alone in making decisions.

Countries with a constitutional monarchy system are Sweden, the UK, Spain, Thailand, Tonga, Jordan, Monaco, and Morocco.

3. Parliamentary monarchy

In a parliamentary monarchy, the function of head of state is vested in a hereditary or elected monarch while a government accountable to the elected Parliament exercises the bulk of the executive powers.

Some of the countries following this system are Denmark, Japan, and Belgium.

4. Democratic monarchy

The last type of monarchy is the democratic monarchy, where a monarch, as a head of state, mainly performs a representative role and not executive or policymaking roles. Only a freely elected parliament can form and terminate government in a democratic monarchy.

An example of a country implementing this system is Malaysia, which also followed the constitutional monarchy.

RACHEL FARAHDIBA REGAR

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