Which states have a constitutional monarchy? Constitutional monarchy: concept, features, states of Europe and Asia

Can we say that the most optimal form of government in the world is a constitutional monarchy? Examples of countries - successful and highly developed - fully confirm this assumption.

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Monarchy, as a form of government, has been dominant throughout much of human history. During its development, it underwent many changes and as a result, several types of monarchy were formed, many of which exist and...

Each historical era characterized by one or another attitude of the population to the top of government and vice versa. The totality of government bodies, their interaction and competencies are determined by the current form of government. Form…

Monarchy is a form of government in which supreme power in the state belongs to one person, called the monarch, and is also inherited. The monarch can be a king, an emperor, a king, a sultan, a duke,...

There are two main forms of government in the modern world: monarchy and republic. There are two types of monarchy: absolute and constitutional. In the first, power belongs entirely to the reigning person or (in the case of a theocratic absolute monarchy) ...

In the modern world, democratic forms of government, such as parliamentary or presidential republics, are widespread. But at the same time, there are forty-one countries where the monarchy has been preserved, and has various shapes. European...

Constitutional monarchy is a type government controlled. At the same time, the state has independent courts and parliament. The power of the ruler is limited by the constitution. Characteristics of this type of management are the civil list and...

The form of government is a system of supreme bodies of state power. This concept includes the structure of their formation and the order of distribution of powers between them. Monarchy and republic are the main forms of government. The first one is...

Forms of government of a state are a type of public administration system. This concept includes the method of its formation, the duration of this system, rights, as well as the ways in which the elements of government interact with each other and the people. She also determines...

This is a type of monarchy in which the power of the monarch is limited, so that in some or all areas of government he does not have supreme authority. Legal limits on the power of the monarch may be enshrined in laws, such as the constitution, or in precedent decisions handed down by the highest courts. An essential feature of a constitutional monarchy is that the status of the monarch is limited, not only formally - legally, but also in fact.

Constitutional monarchies, in turn, are divided into 2 subtypes:

Dualistic constitutional monarchy - The power of the monarch in this case is limited by the main law of the country - the Constitution, however, the monarch formally, and sometimes actually, retains his rather extensive powers.

The power of the monarch in a dualistic monarchy is limited in the legislative sphere. At the same time, the monarch has the unlimited right to dissolve the legislative body and the right of veto over adopted laws. The executive branch is formed by the monarch, so the real political power is retained by the monarch.

For example, a dualistic monarchy existed in the Russian Empire from 1905 to 1917. In Japan in the last third of the 19th century.

Currently, in the modern world, dualist monarchies include Luxembourg, Monaco, the United Arab Emirates, Liechtenstein, and Jordan.

Parliamentary constitutional monarchy - in this case, the monarch does not have sufficiently significant powers in government, but plays a predominantly representative, ceremonial role. Real power lies in the hands of the government.

A parliamentary monarchy is distinguished by the fact that the status of the monarch, both legally and in fact, is limited in almost all spheres of state power, including the legislative and executive. Legal restrictions on the power of the monarch can be enshrined in higher laws, or in precedent decisions made by the highest courts. Legislative power belongs to parliament, and executive power belongs to the government, which is responsible to parliament. Thanks to this, a parliamentary monarchy can be combined with parliamentary democracy. In this case, the government is formed by the party or coalition of parties that received a majority of votes in parliament during the general elections. The head of such a government is usually called the prime minister.

Currently, parliamentary monarchies include Great Britain, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, etc.

Republic.

This is a form of government in which the highest bodies of government are either elected or formed by national representative institutions (for example, parliaments), and citizens have personal and political rights. The main difference in the governance of a republican state from the same monarchy is the presence of a law (code, constitution, etc.), which all residents of the country are obliged to obey, regardless of social status.

The modern republic is distinguished by the following signs:

1 . The existence of a single head of state - the president, parliament and cabinet of ministers. Parliament represents the legislative branch. The president's task is to lead the executive branch, but this is not typical for all types of republics.

2 . Election for a certain term of the head of state, parliament and a number of other supreme bodies of state power. All elected bodies and positions must be elected for a certain period.

3 . Legal responsibility of the head of state. For example, according to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, parliament has the right to remove the president from office for serious crimes against the state.

4 . In cases provided for by the constitution, the president has the right to speak on behalf of the state.

5 . The highest state power is based on the principle of separation of powers, a clear delineation of powers (not typical for all republics).

In theory, most republics, with a few exceptions, are democratic, that is, the supreme power in them belongs to all the people without granting any privileges to one class or another, at least in theory. In practice, however, during elections the people are an instrument of social groups that concentrate wealth in their hands, and with it power.

Republic is not synonymous with democracy. In many monarchy states, democratic institutions are also widespread. However, in the republics there are more opportunities for the development of democracy.

Power in republics can be concentrated in the hands of various oligarchic groups represented in parliament and lobbying the interests of these groups.

Republics, as well as monarchies, can be either simple (France, Italy), or federal (Russia, USA, Germany), or, finally, they can be part of large state unions both republican (individual cantons, states) and monarchical; they can be either independent or dependent (Andorra).

home distinguishing feature modern republics, in comparison with the republics of antiquity, is that they are all constitutional states, that is, the basis of state life in them is the inalienable rights of the individual to free speech, free movement, personal integrity, etc. At the same time, modern republics are all representative states.

There are three main types of republics:

Parliamentary republic - a type of republic with a preponderance of powers in favor of parliament. In a parliamentary republic, the government is responsible only to parliament and not to the president. Not to be confused with (parliamentary) monarchy.

In this form of government, the government is formed from deputies of parties that have a majority of votes in parliament. It remains in power as long as it has the support of a parliamentary majority. If the majority of parliament loses confidence, the government either resigns or seeks, through the head of state, to dissolve parliament and call new elections. This form of government exists in countries with developed, largely self-regulating economies (Italy, Turkey, Germany, Israel, etc.). Elections in this system of democracy are usually held according to party lists, that is, voters vote not for a candidate, but for a party.

The powers of parliament, in addition to legislation, include control over the government. In addition, parliament has financial power, since it develops and adopts the state budget, determines the paths of socio-economic development, and the course of domestic and foreign policy.

The head of state in such republics, as a rule, is elected by parliament or a specially formed broader board, which, along with members of parliament, includes representatives of the constituent entities of the federation or representative regional bodies of self-government. This is the main type of parliamentary control over the executive branch.

The President, being the head of state, is not the head of the executive branch, that is, the government. The prime minister is formally appointed by the president, but can only be the head of the faction with a parliamentary majority, and not necessarily the head of the winning party. As noted above, an important feature of a parliamentary republic is that the government is competent to govern the state only when it enjoys the confidence of parliament.

Presidential republic characterized by the significant role of the president in the system of government bodies, combining in his hands the powers of the head of state and head of government. It is also called a dualistic republic, thereby emphasizing the fact of a clear separation of two powers: the concentration of strong executive power in the hands of the president, and legislative power in the hands of parliament.

The distinctive features characteristic of a presidential republic are:

extra-parliamentary method of electing the president;

an extra-parliamentary method of forming a government, that is, it is formed by the president. The President is both de facto and legally the head of government, or he appoints the head of government. The government is responsible only to the president, and not to parliament, since only the president can dismiss it;

in general, with this form of government the president has much greater powers compared to a parliamentary republic (he is the head of the executive branch, approves laws by signing, has the right to dismiss the government), but in a presidential republic the president is often deprived of the right to dissolve parliament, and parliament is deprived the right to express no confidence in the government, but can remove the president (impeachment procedure).

The United States is a classic presidential republic. These are also the presidential republics of Latin America - Brazil, Argentina, Colombia. This is Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, etc.

Mixed Republic (can also be called a semi-presidential, semi-parliamentary, presidential-parliamentary republic) is a form of government located between the presidential and parliamentary republics.

On the one hand, the parliament of a mixed republic has the right to pass a vote of no confidence in the government formed by the president. On the other hand, the president has the right to dissolve parliament and call early elections (in some countries, parliament cannot be dissolved within a constitutionally defined period).

If the president's party receives a majority in the new parliament, then the "bicephalic" executive power will remain, when government policy is determined by the president, with a relatively weak figure of the prime minister. If the president’s opponents win, then, as a rule, the latter will be forced to accept the resignation of the government and actually transfer the authority to form a new government to the leader of the party that received the majority of votes in the elections. In the latter case, the president cannot significantly influence government policy, and the prime minister becomes the main political figure. If a president is subsequently elected in opposition to the parliamentary majority, he will form a new government, and if it does not receive approval in parliament, the latter may be dissolved.

Thus, as in parliamentary countries, in a mixed republic the government can work only when it relies on the support of the parliamentary majority. But if in parliamentary countries the president or monarch (nominal head of state) only formally appoints a government actually formed by the parliamentary ruling party or coalition, then in a mixed republic the president elected by the people has the right to actually form his own government, regardless of the existing parliamentary majority, to enter into conflict with parliament and seek its dissolution. Such a situation is impossible neither in parliamentary countries nor in a presidential republic. Therefore, a mixed republic is considered independent form government, along with parliamentary and presidential.

Currently, mixed republics include: Russia, Ukraine, Portugal, Lithuania, Slovakia, Finland.

In general, as of 2009, out of 190 states in the world, 140 were republics

Comparative legal analysis of the forms of government of France and Germany:

To begin with, it should be said that both Germany and France are republics.

Sovereign, independent, secular, democratic states, both Germany and France have a President.

It is with the President’s place in power and his role in governing the country that the differences between these two European states begin.

In Germany, the President is formally the Head of State, but this is only a formality; the real executive power in Germany is in the hands of the Federal Chancellor, the so-called Bundeschancellor. Its competence includes the appointment of federal ministers and determination of the government's policy course. The Bundeschancellor is elected Bundestag (German Parliament) for a period of 4 years and can be removed from his post before the expiration of his term of office only through the mechanism of a constructive vote of no confidence. Currently, the post of chancellor is occupied by Angela Mergel (leader of the political party Christian Democratic Union).

The Federal Chancellor presides over the Cabinet of Ministers. Only he has the right to form a government: he selects ministers and puts forward a binding proposal for the federal president on their appointment or dismissal. The Chancellor decides how many ministers there will be in the cabinet and determines the scope of their activities.

Thus, it follows that the form of government in Germany is - parliamentary republic , since the executive power is formed by parliament - the Bundestag, its majority, and the representative of the majority in the Bundestag is the head of the Government, i.e. essentially runs the country. The President in Germany, first of all, performs representative functions - he represents Germany in the international arena and accredits diplomatic representatives. In addition, he has the right to pardon prisoners.

With the political, managerial and power powers of the President in France, everything is somewhat different. The President of the Republic is the head of state, the head of the executive branch, but the Prime Minister of France also has a number of powers comparable in importance to the President. This is where we come to the most interesting thing: the balance of powers between the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister depends on the balance of power in Parliament, or more precisely, in the National Assembly. In one case there is a presidential majority in the National Assembly ( that is, the president’s party has a majority), in another case the opposition party has a majority in the National Assembly. Therefore, the form of government in France is called presidential-parliamentary republic or, more simply put - mixed .

So, let's consider both cases of distribution of forces in the French Parliament. In the first case, when the President has a majority in Parliament:

The President appoints the Prime Minister at his own discretion. The President becomes the sole head of the executive branch. The prime minister is responsible primarily to the president, who can effectively dismiss the government at his discretion (at the expense of the presidential majority in the National Assembly).

In this case, the country establishes presidential republic.

In the second case, when the majority in parliament belongs to the party of the prime minister:

the president appoints the prime minister based on the distribution of seats between parties in the National Assembly. A situation arises where the President of the Republic belongs to one party, and the Prime Minister to another. This state of affairs is called " coexistence". The Prime Minister enjoys a certain independence from the President of the Republic, and the regime is parliamentary character.

The German Bundestag (parliament) and the Bundesrat (state representative body) carry out advisory and legislative functions at the federal level and are authorized by a two-thirds majority in each body to amend the constitution. At the regional level, lawmaking is carried out by the state parliaments - Landtags and Burgerschafts (parliaments of the city states of Hamburg and Bremen). They make laws that apply within the lands. Parliaments in all states except Bavaria are unicameral.

Office of the Federal Chancellor of Germany in Berlin

Executive power at the federal level is represented by the Federal Government, headed by the Bundeschancellor. The head of executive authorities at the level of federal subjects is the prime minister (or burgomaster of the city-land). The federal and state administrations are led by ministers, who are at the head of administrative bodies.

The Federal Constitutional Court monitors compliance with the constitution. Also the supreme bodies of justice include the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig, the Federal Court of Justice labor disputes, Federal Public Court and Federal Financial Court in Munich. Most of the litigation is the responsibility of the Länder. Federal courts are primarily concerned with reviewing cases and reviewing decisions of state courts for formal legality.

Legislative power in France belongs to Parliament, which includes two chambers - the Senate and the National Assembly. The Senate of the Republic, whose members are elected by indirect universal suffrage, consists of 321 senators (348 since 2011), 305 of whom represent the metropolis, 9 overseas territories, 5 French Community territories and 12 French citizens living abroad. Senators are elected to six-year terms (from 2003, and 9 years before 2003) by an electoral college consisting of members of the National Assembly, general councilors and delegates from municipal councils, with the Senate being renewed by half every three years.

In France, the Prime Minister is responsible for current domestic and economic policies, and also has the right to issue general decrees. He is considered responsible for government policies. The Prime Minister directs the government and enforces laws.

The French judicial system is regulated in Section VIII of the Constitution “On the Judicial Power”. The president of the country is the guarantor of the independence of the judiciary, the status of judges is established by organic law, and the judges themselves are irremovable.

French justice is based on the principles of collegiality, professionalism, and independence, which are ensured by a number of guarantees. The 1977 law established that the costs of administering justice in civil and administrative cases are borne by the state. This rule does not apply to criminal justice. Also important principles are equality before justice and the neutrality of judges, public consideration of the case and the possibility of double consideration of the case. The law also provides for the possibility of cassation appeal.

The French judicial system is multi-tiered and can be divided into two branches - the judicial system itself and the administrative court system. The lowest level in the system of courts of general jurisdiction is occupied by petty tribunals. Cases in such a tribunal are heard personally by a judge. However, each of them has several magistrates. The Tribunal of Small Instance considers cases with insignificant amounts, and the decisions of such courts are not subject to appeal.

Another one distinctive feature, rather related to the form government structure, but, nevertheless, if France is a unitary state, where the provinces are administrative-territorial units and do not have the status of a state entity, then Germany is a federal state where the Lands have sufficient political independence.

form of government france germany

In the modern world there are just over 230 states and self-governing territories with 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 multifaceted system ranging from the tribal form, successfully operating in Arab states 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 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. Political elite The majority of these countries understand 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 are talking not only about the monarchies of Scandinavia, where even Soviet agitprop in monarchical Sweden managed to find a version of “socialism with a human face.” Such a system has been 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 Gulf countries gained independence, without revolutions and civil wars, liberalization of everything and everyone, without utopian social experiments, in conditions of a rigid, sometimes absolutist, political system, in the absence of parliamentarism and a constitution, when all the mineral resources of the country belong to one ruling family, from poor Bedouins herding camels, most are UAE nationals, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other neighboring countries, have become 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 content, in any higher educational institution 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 the 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, for example Russian Empire, Austria-Hungary, Yugoslavia, 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 the national contradictions of 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 of 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, in many ways good example- this is Spain. Passed through civil war, economic crisis and right-wing dictatorship, it returned to a monarchical form of government, taking its rightful place among the family of European nations. 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, first of all, this applies to the 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, formerly 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 amazing 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 the Principality of Liechtenstein occupies a special place on 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, it is one of the largest business and financial centers, who managed not to succumb to promises of creating a “single European home”, to defend his sovereignty and independent view of his own state structure.

The stability of the political and economic systems of most monarchical countries makes 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. On the territory of the country there is a large number of traditional states, the most significant of which is Vogodogo (in the territory of the capital of the country Ouagudou), where the current ruler (moogo-naaba) Baongo II is on the throne.
Vatican
Theocracy (some analysts consider it a form of monarchy - an absolute theocratic monarchy - but it should be borne in mind that it is not and cannot be hereditary).
Hungary
The Republic since 1946, before that, since 1918, it was a nominal monarchy - 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 classified as 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 ( Foster-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, although he has never declared his claims, is Prince Mohammed Nureddin, the son of Sultan Hassan Nureddin II of the Maldives (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 once been an 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 Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, the great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Alexander II, as the legal heir.
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.
USA
Republic since independence in 1776. The Hawaiian Islands (annexed to the United States in 1898, gained statehood in 1959) had a monarchy until 1893. 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.
Turkey 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 in 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, in a private ceremony in London, Haile Selassie's son Amha Selassie I was proclaimed the new Emperor of Ethiopia (in exile).
South African 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 a well-known politician, leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Mangosuthu Gatshi Buthelezi 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 of Abomi royal families.

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 prevents traditional African societies from moving 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. Formerly the chief administrator and head of the Cabinet of the Minister of Finance of Cameroon, 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. Olowo (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 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.

A monarchical state or, in other words, a monarchy is a state in which power, in whole or in part, belongs to one person - the monarch. This could be a king, king, emperor or, for example, a sultan, but any monarch rules for life and passes on his power by inheritance.

Today there are 30 monarchical states in the world and 12 of them are monarchies in Europe. A list of monarchy countries located in Europe is given below.

List of monarchy countries in Europe

1. Norway is a kingdom, a constitutional monarchy;
2. Sweden is a kingdom, a constitutional monarchy;
3. Denmark is a kingdom, a constitutional monarchy;
4. Great Britain is a kingdom, a constitutional monarchy;
5. Belgium – kingdom, constitutional monarchy;
6. The Netherlands – kingdom, constitutional monarchy;
7. Luxembourg – duchy, constitutional monarchy;
8. Liechtenstein – principality, constitutional monarchy;
9. Spain is a kingdom, a parliamentary constitutional monarchy;
10. Andorra is a principality, a parliamentary principality with two co-rulers;
11. Monaco – principality, constitutional monarchy;
12. The Vatican is a papal state, an elective absolute theocratic monarchy.

All monarchies in Europe are countries in which the form of government is a constitutional monarchy, that is, one in which the power of the monarch is significantly limited by the elected parliament and the constitution adopted by it. The only exception is the Vatican, where absolute rule is exercised by the elected Pope.

It simultaneously combines monarchical and democratic institutions. The degree of their correlation, as well as the level of real power of the crowned head, differs significantly in different countries. Let's find out in more detail what a constitutional monarchy is and what are the features of this form of government.

Essence of the term

A constitutional monarchy is a special type of government in which the monarch, although formally considered the head of state, his rights and functions are largely limited by the legislation of the country. Without fail, this restriction must not only be of a legal nature, but also actually applied.

At the same time, it should be noted that there are countries in which the crowned head has fairly high powers, despite restrictions, and states where the role of the monarch is purely nominal. Unlike a republic, a constitutional monarchy is often characterized by a hereditary form of transfer of power, although its actual volume can be reduced to a minimum.

Classification of monarchies

A constitutional monarchy is only one of many forms that a monarchical structure can take. This form of government can be absolute, theocratic (power belongs to the religious head), class-representative, early feudal, ancient eastern, non-hereditary.

Absolute and constitutional monarchies differ mainly in that in the first of them, any decision of the ruler has the force of law, and in the second, the will of the monarch is largely limited by domestic laws and regulations. Therefore, these forms of government are considered largely opposite to each other.

At the same time, within the concept of “constitutional monarchy” there is a division into two groups: dualistic and parliamentary.

Dualistic monarchy

This type of government, such as a dualistic monarchy, implies a significant participation of the crowned person in state affairs. Often the ruler is a full-fledged head of state with most of the ensuing rights and functions, but these are limited to some extent by law.

In such states, the monarch has the right to personally appoint and remove the government of the country. Limitations on the power of the crowned head are most often expressed in a decree that all her orders take legal force only after they are confirmed by the minister of the relevant department. But given that ministers are appointed by the ruler himself, these restrictions are largely formal.

In fact, executive power belongs to the monarch, and legislative power belongs to parliament. At the same time, the ruler can veto any law passed by parliament or dissolve it altogether. The limit on the monarch's power lies in the fact that the aforementioned legislative body approves the budget approved by the crown person or rejects it, but in the latter case risks being dissolved.

Thus, in a dualistic monarchy, the ruler is the legal and de facto head of state, but with limited rights by law.

Parliamentary monarchy

The most limited constitutional monarchy has a parliamentary form. Often in a country with such a government system, the role of the monarch is purely nominal. He is the symbol of the nation and the formal head, but has virtually no actual power. The main function of the crowned head in such countries is representative.

The government is responsible not to the monarch, as is customary in dualistic monarchies, but to parliament. It is formed by the legislative body with the support of the majority of parliamentarians. At the same time, the crowned lady often does not have the right to dissolve parliament, which is elected democratically.

At the same time, some formal functions still remain with the nominal ruler. For example, he often signs decrees appointing ministers chosen by the legislature. In addition, the monarch represents his country abroad, performs ceremonial functions, and at critical moments for the state can even assume full power.

Thus, in a parliamentary form, the monarch has neither legislative nor executive power. The first belongs to parliament, and the second to the government, which is responsible to the legislature. The head of the government is the prime minister or an official equivalent in function. A parliamentary monarchy most often corresponds to a democratic political regime.

The Birth of Constitutionalism

Let's see how this form of government developed over the centuries.

The formation of a constitutional monarchy is associated with the Glorious Revolution in England in 1688. Although before this period there were countries with forms of government in which the power of the king was significantly limited by the feudal elite (Holy Roman Empire, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, etc.), but they did not correspond to the modern meaning of this term. So, in 1688, as a result coup d'etat, the Stuart dynasty that ruled England was removed, and William III of Orange became king. The very next year, he issued a “Bill of Rights,” which significantly limited royal power and gave parliament very large powers. This document marked the beginning of the formation of the current political system in Great Britain. The constitutional monarchy in England finally took shape in the 18th century.

Further development

After the Revolution of 1789, a constitutional monarchy was actually introduced in France for some time. But it did not operate for long, until 1793, when the king was deposed and executed. The times of the republic came, and then the Napoleonic empire. After this, constitutional monarchy existed in France during the periods from 1830 to 1848 and from 1852 to 1870.

Sweden and Norway were called constitutional monarchies in 1818, when the Bernadotte dynasty, whose founder was a former Napoleonic general, began to rule there. A similar form of power has been established in the Netherlands since 1815, in Belgium since 1830, and in Denmark since 1849.

In 1867, the Austrian Empire, until then a stronghold of absolutism, was transformed into the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which became a constitutional monarchy. In 1871, the German Empire was formed, which also had a similar form of government. But both states ceased to exist due to defeat in the First World War.

One of the youngest monarchical systems with a constitutional structure is the Spanish one. It arose in 1975, when King Juan Carlos I ascended the throne after the death of dictator Franco.

Constitutionalism in the Russian Empire

Discussions about the possibility of limiting the power of the emperor by the constitution began to be held among leading representatives of the nobility at the beginning of the 19th century, during the time of Alexander I. The famous Decembrist uprising of 1825 had as its main goal the abolition of autocracy and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, but it was suppressed by Nicholas I.

Under the reformer Tsar Alexander II, who abolished serfdom, the authorities began to take certain steps towards limiting autocracy and developing constitutional institutions, but with the assassination of the emperor in 1881, all these initiatives were frozen.

The revolution of 1905 showed that the existing regime in its previous form had outlived its usefulness. Therefore, Emperor Nicholas II gave the go-ahead for the formation of a parliamentary body - the State Duma. In fact, this meant that from 1905 a constitutional monarchy was established in Russia in its dualistic form. But this form of government did not last long, since the February and October Revolution 1917 marked the beginning of a completely different socio-political system.

Modern examples of constitutional monarchies

Pronounced dualistic monarchies modern world are Morocco and Jordan. With reservations, we can add to them the European dwarf states of Monaco and Liechtenstein. Sometimes the government systems of Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE are considered this form of government, but most political science experts consider them to be closer to absolutism.

Most famous examples The parliamentary monarchy is represented by the state structure of Great Britain and its former dominions (Australia, Canada, New Zealand), Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Japan and other countries. It should be noted that there are much more states representing this form of government than dualistic ones.

The meaning of the form of government

Thus, we can state the fact that constitutional monarchy in its various forms is a fairly common form of government. In many countries its existence dates back hundreds of years, while in others it was established relatively recently. This means that this type of government remains quite relevant today.

If in the parliamentary form the formal primacy of the monarch is associated more with respect for history and traditions, then the dualistic form is a way to limit the level of concentration of power in one hand. But, of course, each country has its own characteristics and nuances of the formation and functioning of this type of government system.