Monarchy
Introduction
Introduction
The idea of an all-powerful monarchy has bewitched us for centuries. It appears to be a combination of the allure of a life of opulence and the concept of the envy of all and beholden to none. The first monarchical regimes can be traced back to Sumer, Egypt 3000 BC. They have left their traces in our literature – perhaps most famously described in Homer’s Iliad. These rulers have existed worldwide under the guise of different titles: Tzar, Pharaoh, Emperor, Caesar. It is no wonder that they so often find themselves into our fantastical worlds, but how can you make your monarchical system stand out? What does a monarch contribute to your world? Are all monarchies essentially the same, or are there inherent differences?
DEFINITION: A state over which a sole monarch has absolute and unlimited power.
This is the origin of the hereditary monarchy. A single centralised power that is answerable to none. Absolute monarchy is heavily dependent on the strength of the individual who sits on the throne. A strong ruler can lend stability and security to the kingdom; an uncertain weak ruler can send the economy into a constant flux as his whims dictate the state of his people. With unlimited power, the ruler will often encompass the role of both the religious and judicial ruler. Many heads of state and aristocratic families will cite their ‘divine right’ as the reason for their all-encompassing power. Whether these rulers truly believe that they are chosen by G-d, or they are merely exploiting the power of the church, this has been a prevalent argument throughout the years. Consequently, a well-managed population cannot question the monarchy, their actions and decrees are merely an extension of G-d’s will.
Depending on the ethics of your ruler, this can have varied effects on your characters. A corrupt head of state can create a sense of powerlessness, oppression. In a kingdom where the law is in the hands of a single person, it may not represent the rights of minorities or ethnic groups. When religion and ruler-ship are intricately connected, the church may have a disproportionate amount of power. Religion can be obligatory, your citizens may be brainwashed. A just ruler will be venerated by the people, an inbred sense of patriotic pride awakened. A desire to protect one’s country, or even destroy it, works as great character motivation.
Absolute Monarchy
DEFINITION: A state over which a sole monarch has absolute and unlimited power.
This is the origin of the hereditary monarchy. A single centralised power that is answerable to none. Absolute monarchy is heavily dependent on the strength of the individual who sits on the throne. A strong ruler can lend stability and security to the kingdom; an uncertain weak ruler can send the economy into a constant flux as his whims dictate the state of his people. With unlimited power, the ruler will often encompass the role of both the religious and judicial ruler. Many heads of state and aristocratic families will cite their ‘divine right’ as the reason for their all-encompassing power. Whether these rulers truly believe that they are chosen by G-d, or they are merely exploiting the power of the church, this has been a prevalent argument throughout the years. Consequently, a well-managed population cannot question the monarchy, their actions and decrees are merely an extension of G-d’s will.
Why this Works
Depending on the ethics of your ruler, this can have varied effects on your characters. A corrupt head of state can create a sense of powerlessness, oppression. In a kingdom where the law is in the hands of a single person, it may not represent the rights of minorities or ethnic groups. When religion and ruler-ship are intricately connected, the church may have a disproportionate amount of power. Religion can be obligatory, your citizens may be brainwashed. A just ruler will be venerated by the people, an inbred sense of patriotic pride awakened. A desire to protect one’s country, or even destroy it, works as great character motivation.
Constitutional Monarchy
DEFINITION: A constitutional monarchy is a form of monarchy in which the sovereign exercises authority in accordance with a written or unwritten constitution.
No longer an all-powerful entity, the head of the state works closely with a secondary constitutional body. In this case, the monarchy may be no more than a figurehead, a symbol of ages past. A popular example of this id the British monarchy where even the queen pays taxes. A constitutional body may be comprised of different types of individuals but will generally represent the broader population. However, the contrary may also be true, where the constitutional body represents a select, privileged faction. The monarchy may be utilized as an instrument to secure the ruling body’s legitimacy.
NOTE: There is very little difference between a Crowned Republic and a Constitutional monarchy. A Crowned republic implies greater ceremonial significance of existing monarchs.
Why this Works
Constitutional monarchy creates a very interesting dynamic between the monarchy and the ruling power. One is likely to resent the other, one will often be convinced that they could outdo the other. Public perception is also a fun tool to play with: Do they feel that the monarchy is a drain on resources? An archaic concept? A maligned party, betrayed by a country that sought alternative ruler-ship? Differing opinions give a vibrancy to your world, creates allegiances and conflict.
Elected Monarchy
DEFINITION: Monarchy ruled by an elected monarch
Breaking from the traditional hereditary right-to-rule, this allows for new blood to constantly occupy the seat of power. There is an endless number of methods in which a ruler may be selected. This may be an event of a public decision or a careful selection from a select group of people. While this allows the power to be held by the most suitable person, this system is highly susceptible to corruption.
Why this Works
It so easy to set up a conflict in this scenario: Conflicting parties all claiming to have been selected, factions of society backing eligible bodies, fierce competition to win favor, assassination. How long does it take for power to corrupt a person? How long before they believe that they and their progeny are entitled to the throne?
Theocratic Monarchy
Not based on any man-made law (at least in the eyes of believers), a theocratic monarchy is based on scripture and the interpretation thereof. Echoing absolute monarchy, the ruler may also play the leader of ecclesiastical authorities. In some cases, the monarchy is completely done away with, replaced by a system of priests and religious leaders. This usually gives rise to a highly devout society, ruled strictly by ethics and morality.
Why this Works
The human relationship with religion is volatile. It gives rise to an entire plethora of questions, ranging from your characters' relationship with religion to the impacts it has on broader society. Is the religion adapted to suit modern events, or is it regressive, tying the population to outdated stigma and bias? Do people in solace in its tenets, or oppression? Is society imbued with a fear of G-d or a devout love? There are so many elements to play within the theocratic monarchy, giving rise to endless possibilities.
Please note that I have used the options under "Government type" as a guideline for my research, Thanks you so much WorldAnvil!
This article is paired with a list of evocative questions to ask yourself about your leading body. This is not intended for use as a checklist, merely a exploration to create richer and more dynamic worlds. The Question you need to ask yourself is not WHAT to use, but WHY you should use it.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/absolutism-political-system
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Arsaces-Parthian-royal-name
http://www.duhaime.org/LegalDictionary/T/Theocracy.aspx
https://www.nobility-association.com/monarchyhistory.htm
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