Concept of Monarchy (Pols 203)

Introduction 

Monarchy is one of the oldest forms of government in political history. It developed from early human societies where authority was concentrated in one person. This system played an important role in shaping the modern state, especially in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Political philosophers such as Thomas Aquinas, Niccolò Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbes, and John Locke contributed greatly to the development and criticism of monarchy.

Meaning of Monarchy

Monarchy is a form of government in which supreme political power is vested in one individual known as a King, Queen, or Emperor. It is regarded as the earliest form of political organisation. In early monarchies, the ruler possessed absolute authority and was often believed to rule by divine will, meaning he was accountable only to God, tradition, and custom.

The Sphinx and pyramid of Khufu Giza Egypt

Historically, monarchies existed in ancient Egypt (Pharaoh), Greece, Rome, Persia, and in African empires such as Mali, Songhai, and Ashanti. In Nigeria, traditional monarchies such as the Sokoto Caliphate were also used by the British during colonial rule under indirect rule.

Intellectual and Historical Development of Monarchy

Monarchy developed significantly in Europe during the medieval and post-medieval periods.

The collapse of the medieval period led to the Renaissance, which was a period of intellectual awakening. During this time, Niccolò Machiavelli wrote The Prince, where he argued that rulers should do whatever is necessary to maintain power and ensure the survival of the state.

The Reformation, led by Martin Luther and John Calvin, weakened the authority of the Pope and strengthened the power of kings. This led to the idea of the Divine Right of Kings, which held that monarchs were appointed by God and should not be resisted.

Thomas Hobbes also supported strong monarchy. In his Social Contract theory, he argued that people surrendered their rights to a ruler to avoid the chaos of the state of nature and ensure law and order.

However, monarchy was later challenged. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 in England and the French Revolution of 1789 weakened absolute monarchy. John Locke argued that government power should be limited and based on the consent of the people. This led to the development of constitutional monarchy.

Types of Monarchy

There are two main types:

1. Absolute Monarchy

Absolute monarchy is a system where the monarch possesses unlimited political power.

Features:

• Monarch has supreme authority.
• Monarch is above the law.
• Monarch rules by divine right.
• People must obey without resistance.
• Succession is hereditary.

Absolute monarchy was common in 16th–18th century Europe, especially in Spain, England, and France.

2. Constitutional Monarchy

Queen Elizabeth 

Constitutional monarchy is a system where the powers of the monarch are limited by the constitution.

In this system:

• The monarch performs ceremonial functions.
• Real executive power is exercised by elected officials such as the Prime Minister.
• The monarch does not govern directly.

Examples include Britain, Sweden, and Denmark.

This is the most common form of monarchy today.

Features of Monarchy

1. Absolute Power – In traditional monarchies, the ruler exercised supreme authority.

2. Rule by Discretion – The monarch could make decisions without consulting the people.

3. Hereditary Succession – Leadership is passed through family lineage, not election.

4. Quick Decision-Making – Since power is concentrated in one person, decisions can be made faster.

Advantages of Monarchy

• Provides political stability.
• Ensures continuity in leadership.
• Allows quick decision-making.
• Reduces political competition and conflict over leadership.

Conclusion

Monarchy is the oldest form of government and has played a major role in the development of political systems. Initially, monarchs possessed absolute powers based on divine authority. However, political revolutions and philosophical ideas led to the limitation of monarch’s powers and the emergence of constitutional monarchy. Today, while absolute monarchy still exists in a few countries, constitutional monarchy has become more common, where the monarch serves mainly ceremonial functions and real political power lies with elected representatives.