Democracy vs Monarchy
Democracy and Monarchy are two forms of government that show a lot of difference between them. Democracy is a form of government in which the power of governing is derived from the people. On the other hand, monarchy is a form of government in which an individual called the monarch is given all the political power. The monarch is the head of state in a monarchy. Since both monarchy and democracy are important forms of government one should know the difference between the two. Therefore, this article examines these two types of government under head of state, choosing the head of state, how law is determined and the types of democracy and monarchy.
What is a Democracy?
Democracy had its origin in ancient Greece. Democracy is a form of government headed by elected representatives. Usually, it is the President or the Prime Minister, who is considered as the head of state in a democracy. These representatives are chosen by people. In other words, the power lies in the hands of the people to elect the government of their choice. It only means that democracy supports election. Election is people’s choice in democracy. Also, representatives are elected only for a period. If they are to become representatives again, they have to face re-election. In a democracy, generally all are the same in the eyes of law. There are no favourations.
It is interesting to note that there are different forms of democracy, namely, representative democracy, parliamentary democracy, liberal democracy, constitutional democracy and direct democracy. It is to be understood that democracy is well based on equality and freedom. In democracy, the citizens are promised in terms of equality and freedom.
What is a Monarchy?
Monarchy does not have a clear definition as to when it first began. In a monarchy, it is the monarch, who is the head of state. Unless the monarch dies or someone overthrows the monarch, he or she remains as the ruler as long as he or she lives. This monarch can be a King, Queen, Prince or Princess.
When it comes to decision making in a monarchy, the monarch is the law. That means what the monarch decides as justice is justice, even when it is not so. Moreover, a monarchy is different in the sense that the monarch is not restricted by law as he or she is the one who frames the law in the land. Also, a monarchy does not restrict the freedom of the individuals but the privilege depends on the considerations of the monarch. That means there is no one to stop the monarch from favouring those he or she likes and punishing those he or she does not like.
It is very important to know that the individuals from the heritage and bloodline get the power and position in the case of monarchy. Also, there are different types of monarchy such as absolute monarchy, constitutional monarchy, as well as elective monarchy and hereditary monarchy. In a hereditary monarchy, the position of monarch is inherited by one’s relatives according the customary order of succession. Countries such as United Kingdom and Thailand are examples for constitutional monarchies.
What is the difference between Democracy and Monarchy?
- Democracy is a form of government in which the power of governing is derived from the people.
- On the other hand, monarchy is a form of government in which an individual called the monarch is given all the political power.
- Monarch is the head of state in a monarchy. A President or Prime Minister is the head of state in a democracy.
- One of the primary differences between democracy and monarchy is that, in democracy, all are equal in the eyes of law. On the other hand, the monarch is the law in the case of monarchy. That means what the monarch decides as justice is justice, even when it is not so.
- Monarch is for a lifetime or until someone overthrows him or her. The representatives of a democracy have to face re-election, if they are to hold power after their elected period.
- Monarch gains power through heredity. Representatives in a democracy are chosen by people.
- There are difference types of democracy as representative democracy, parliamentary democracy, liberal democracy, constitutional democracy and direct democracy.
- There are different types of monarchy as absolute monarchy, constitutional monarchy, elective monarchy and hereditary monarchy.
Images Courtesy: King George V via Wikicommons (Public Domain)
