Features, Merits, and Demerits of Monarchy

Features of Monarchy:

(i) Monarch/King is the head of state. The government of the state is in his hands.

(ii) The monarch acquires his powers through hereditary.

(iii) It is an age-long form of government.

(iv) All government power is concentrated in the hands of the monarch.

(v) The monarch could be a despotichaving unlimited power over other people, and often using it unfairly and cruelly. More ruler, with all the powers concentrated in his hands.

(vi) Political power is shared between elected officials and the King/monarch in a constitutional monarchy.

(vii) In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch performs mainly ceremonial and symbolic functions.

(viii) Monarch is selected by the kingmakers among members of the ruling families.

Merits of Monarchy:

(i) Monarchy upholds the customs and traditions of the people.

(ii) Decision-making and implementation are quick.

(iii) It enhances political stability.

(iv) It promotes national unity.

Demerits of Monarchy:

(i) Monarchy is undemocratic.

(ii) It is an authoritarian and despotic form of government.

(iii) In this modern time, more people agitate for greater political participation, so monarchy is seriously threatened.

(iv) In a constitutional monarchy, the power of the monarch is reduced, they share political power with elected officials.

(v) Under an absolute monarchy, the monarch cannot be questioned. He is not accountable or responsible to anyone.