Do Monarchies still exist today?

Question

Please refrain from insults- I know that there is the English Monarchy, etc. But apparently, the Queen doesn't wield any power- is this true?

Or, have the monarchies become an outdated idea?

Answer 1

There is a difference between a "absolute monarchy" and a "constitutional monarchy". According to Wikipedia, a constitutional monarchy is a form of monarchical government established under a constitutional system which acknowledges an elected or hereditary monarch as head of state. But unlike an absolute monarchy, modern constitutional monarchies usually implement the concept of "separation of powers", where the monarch either is the head of the executive branch or simply has a ceremonial role. Where a monarch holds absolute power, it is known as an absolute monarchy.

Here is at least a partial list of both types of monarchies...

Monarchies
- Bhutan
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Swaziland

Constitutional Monarchies
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Denmark
- Grenada
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lesotho
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Monaco
- Morocco
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Oman
- Papua New Guinea
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Samoa
- Sweden
- Thailand
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- United Kingdom

Answer 2

There are quite a few monarchies left in the world. Some, like England and Japan list the ruling monarch as the Head of State and the Prime Minister is listed as the Head of Government. In these monarchies the King, Queen, or Emporer have no real power and serve in a largely ceremonial role.

There are some remaining true monarchies where the ruling family is also in control of the government. Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Dubai are all examples of this in the Middle East. Thailand in asia is also a true monarchy.

Answer 3

Among the few states that retain a rather absolute monarchy are Swaziland, Brunei, Bhutan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. In Jordan and Morocco, the Monarch also retains considerable power. There are also recent (2003) developments in Liechtenstein, wherein the regnant prince was given the constitutional power to dismiss the government at will. Nepal had several swings between a constitutional role and direct rule related to the violent Maoist rebel movement and the palace killings by a suicidal crown prince

Hope that helps :)

Answer 4

you are right, the British monarchy don't have much power over the countries policies, they also don't have the power to reject decisions made by the Parliament. monarchies do exist today, mainly in countries where smart people are hard to find or the majority of the population is not well educated. all Arab nations are sort of a monarchy because once they get power they never leave it, although most of them call themselves republic, these are just fancy words and count for nothing.democracy is not easy to achieve in any country because not all countries have good citizens who would protect the idea on their own expense.

Answer 5

There are still monarchy's with everyday power in lots of African and Asian countries.

Also Queen Elizabeth II does still technically hold a lot of power, in the UK and in her other realms (Canada, Australia, etc). She receives boxes everyday from her government's all over the world telling her what's going on, and her Prime Ministers often call her for advice. If some kind of serious crisis were ever to take place in one of her realms, for example, say it couldn't be decided who was the winner in an election, she could have the final say if she wanted.

Answer 6

We have a monarchy here in Thailand. King Bumiphol has reigned for 60 years and is loved by all. He rarely intervenes in the proceedings of government, but when he does everyone listens and responds.

Answer 7

Yes, especially in the Middle East. Jordan and Saudi Arabia are two examples

Answer 8

I was going to say Saudi Arabia.

Answer 9

And let's not forget Queen Noor.