Constitutional Monarchy

Definition

A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch (such as a king or queen) serves as the head of state, but their powers are limited by a constitution. This system combines the traditional role of a monarch with the modern principles of constitutionalism and the rule of law.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Glorious Revolution of 1688-89 in England established a constitutional monarchy, limiting the power of the monarch and increasing the authority of Parliament.
2. The English Bill of Rights (1689) was a key document that outlined the rights and liberties of English subjects, and placed restrictions on the monarch's power.
3. The development of constitutional monarchy in England was influenced by the country's long history of tensions between the monarchy and Parliament, as well as the desire to avoid the absolute rule of the monarch.
4. The establishment of a constitutional monarchy in England helped to strengthen the power of the English Parliament and the rule of law, and served as a model for other countries.
5. The English Empire, which expanded significantly during the 18th and 19th centuries, was governed under a constitutional monarchy, with the monarch serving as the head of state but with limited powers.

Review Questions

• Describe the key features of a constitutional monarchy and how it differs from an absolute monarchy.
  • In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch's power is limited by a constitution, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of the monarch, the legislature, and the people. This is in contrast to an absolute monarchy, where the monarch has unrestricted power over the state and its subjects. The development of constitutional monarchy in England during the Glorious Revolution of 1688-89 was a significant shift towards limiting the power of the monarch and increasing the authority of Parliament, which served as a model for other countries.
• Explain the role of the English Bill of Rights in the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in England.
  • The English Bill of Rights, passed in 1689 after the Glorious Revolution, was a key document that outlined the rights and liberties of English subjects and placed restrictions on the monarch's power. This document helped to solidify the principles of constitutionalism and the rule of law in England, and served as a foundation for the development of a constitutional monarchy. The Bill of Rights was a crucial step in the ongoing tensions between the monarchy and Parliament, and helped to strengthen the power of the English Parliament relative to the monarch.
• Analyze the impact of the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in England on the development and governance of the English Empire.
  • The establishment of a constitutional monarchy in England had significant implications for the governance of the English Empire. With the monarch's power limited by a constitution and the increasing authority of Parliament, the English Empire was able to expand and be governed under a system that combined traditional monarchical rule with modern principles of constitutionalism and the rule of law. This allowed for a more stable and accountable form of governance, as the power of the monarch was checked by the legislature and the rights of English subjects were protected. The constitutional monarchy model served as a template for other colonial powers and influenced the development of governance structures in the colonies that made up the English Empire.

Related terms

Absolute Monarchy: A form of government in which the monarch has unrestricted power over the state and its subjects.

Parliamentary System: A system of government in which the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from the legislature (parliament) and is accountable to that body.

Separation of Powers:

The division of government into distinct branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) to prevent the concentration of power and provide a system of checks and balances.