THE BRITISH MONARCHY

The monarchial form of government is the oldest form of government in United Kingdom and this form of governance has been renowned throughout the globe. United Kingdom is made up of Northern Ireland and Great Britain which consists of England, Wales and Scotland. The system of government in Britain has developed over many centuries. Once upon a time there was absolute monarchy where the Kings and Queens ruled with advice from a council of religious leaders and nobles but today, the British monarchy is a Constitutional monarchy.

 

Absolute monarchy means that the power and the authority of the monarch are not restrained or limited by laws. While, Constitutional monarchy is the system of government where the power and authority of the monarch is limited by laws.

 

Monarchs whether in the past or in the present have been born and brought up within a royal family and they are trained for their future duties so that they represent the rich heritage and royal protocols which their ancestors have followed. The British monarch has many State and national duties which are time and again in the limelight through the press coverage.

 

The Buckingham Palace at London is the royal residence and administrative headquarters of the British Monarch which is very famous. It has been a venue for many royal events and ceremonies making it a most sought after place to visit by people who want to witness the royal feel and look of the Palace. 

What is Constitutional Monarchy? In simple words Constitutional Monarchy means that the powers and functions of the Monarch are exercised within the constitutional constraints. Constitutional Monarchy is in United Kingdom, Denmark, Spain, New Zealand, etc. Among the monarchy, the British monarchy is most renowned and popular.

Though there may not be a written Constitution in United Kingdom or New Zealand yet different Acts of the Parliament provide for the constitutional setup of various aspects relating to the monarchy. The various Acts constrain the powers of the Monarch as the ultimate power is with the people who elect representatives through voting in-order to voice their concerns, needs and wants in the Parliament.

The Constitutional Monarchy does not play a very active role in the Parliamentary work and the monarch undertakes only the constitutional duties while the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament. Thus, a Constitutional Monarch has restrained powers.