Monarchy Advantages and Disadvantages List

Any nation or country needs to have a form of government to prosper and develop as a nation. One of the types of government is a monarchy. In this form of government, sovereignty is accorded to a person or a group of people and the duration of power stays as long as the monarch lives. However, it can also end if the reigning monarch gives up the throne. If this happens, the successor becomes the new monarch. While there are supporters of monarchies, there are also critics. As to whether a monarchy is the perfect government form or not, it is best to discuss the debatable issues surrounding it. Here are some of the pros and cons of a monarchial rule.

List of Advantages of Monarchy

1. Smooth Transition
One of the advantages of a monarchial form of government, according to supporters, is that the succession of power or throne is not complicated since it does not involve elections and campaigns which can be full of controversies and hard work. This is because sovereignty is handed on to a successor within the family. Thus, transition of government is easier and more peaceful since no parties are on each other’s necks and attacking each other.

2. No Election Expenditures
Proponents of a monarchy posit that this form of government does not require elections which not only make succession of power faster and easier but it also does not entail holding elections. Moreover, the elected monarch is definitely going to retain the position unless he or she gives up the throne or dies. With no expensive campaigns and election costs, public funds will not be spent on election expenses and can be used for more important projects.

3. Qualified Successors
Advocates for monarchy say that since the successors come from the same family or bloodline and that the next monarch is already known even before he or she is born, this gives enough time for the would-be king or queen to be prepared and educated for the big responsibility of running a monarchy. With the order of succession determined earlier, future monarchs are honed and disciplined at an early age to think and act as royalty. They are prepared physically, emotionally and spiritually in order to carry out their duties.

4. Balance in Government
Supporters of monarchies posit that under monarchial rule, say in the case of a constitutional monarchy, the head of state does not have absolute power but a limited one. Although this royalty is a significant figure and is someone who symbolizes sovereignty, decisions are not solely made by the monarch but there is a legislative body that will create and impose polices and laws. This means that thorough discussions and analysis will be done before a law is passed.

5. Unity
Since the reigning monarch comes from a family with a long history and have existed for hundreds of years, chances are, people have respect and love for the monarch and the members of the Royal family. Because of this, unity is more likely to be achieved within the territory since monarchies are revered by the people.

6. Less Corruption
Supporters of monarchies believe that there is less room for corruption if a country has a monarchial form of government. This is because succession only happens after the death of the reigning king or queen and this can be a long time. With the power on the hands of the king or queen for a lifetime, he or she is less likely to be lured to corruption.

List of Disadvantages of Monarchy

1. Expensive Lifestyles
Critics of monarchies complain about how lavish members of royalties live their lives despite the poverty around the world and even in their own kingdom or country. As in the case of the Royal Family of England, the money spent for the upkeep of their royal residences and all the extravagance and expenses are supplied or given to them via the Sovereign Grant. The money from the grant comes from the money of the taxpayers. If the reigning monarch is extravagant and does not care about a fabulous and costly lifestyle, this will be at the expense of taxpayers.

2. Control
Another disadvantage considered by critics of monarchies is the fact that this gives one person, a family or a group of people control over the affairs and the economy of a country. This leaves the people voiceless and they are not given the autonomy since they are bound with the rules and laws they do not have the freedom to meddle with. This is fine if the monarch is just and selfless but can be disastrous if their nation is run by a greedy and scrupulous head of state.

3. Prone to Oppression
Opponents of a monarchial form of government argue that citizens are at the losing end if the reigning monarch is oppressive. Since the power will stay within the family and the king or queen will only lose the throne after death and if he or she will abdicate the throne, power will be in the hands of the monarch for a long time. This is not a good thing if the monarchy is self-serving since it will be hard to overthrow the government unlike in a democracy where elections are held so people can choose who they want to rule their nation.

4. Incompetent Successors
Since the next ruler or monarch will come from within the family, as in the case of constitutional or hereditary monarchies, some opponents are concerned that if the next in line is incompetent or is not as dedicated and just as the predecessor, the people cannot do something about this. Critics are not happy with power or leadership being given to someone because of being born in a royal family.

5. Fear of Tyranny
People who are not for monarchies say that it is possible to have a bad egg in the basket, that is, not all potential successors can handle power correctly and not be blinded with it. Critics say that power can be tempting and if given to someone who is a tyrant, the nation will suffer.

A monarchial form of government is both supported and criticized by people. While it might be the best government type for some nations, it might not work well in some. Having information about its possible advantages and disadvantages can educate the people who are under a monarchy and those who are interested in it.