monarchy
system of government by a monarch
A type of government where a country is led by a king, queen, or other monarch, usually for life and usually because they were born into the royal family.
a [type] monarchy
- Japan is a constitutional monarchy with an emperor as the ceremonial head of state.
- Debates continue over whether a monarchy is compatible with modern democracy.
- The country changed from a monarchy to a republic after the revolution.
- In a traditional monarchy, power is passed down within a royal family.
- An absolute monarchy gives the ruler almost complete control over the state.
- The United Kingdom has a monarchy.
- In a monarchy, a king or queen is the head of state.
- Some people prefer a republic, and some prefer a monarchy.
- The country moved from monarchy to democracy in the last century.
- An absolute monarchy gives the king or queen a lot of power.
country ruled by a monarch
A country that is ruled by a king, queen, or other monarch.
[a place] is a monarchy
- Sweden is a constitutional monarchy, while France is a republic.
- Several European monarchies still have royal families that are widely respected.
- The small Gulf monarchy has become very rich from oil exports.
- In the twentieth century, many Asian monarchies were replaced by republics.
- Tourists are often surprised to learn that this island nation is a monarchy.
- Spain is a monarchy, but Italy is a republic.
- Many European countries used to be monarchies.
- That country became a monarchy many centuries ago.
- Some monarchies are very rich because of oil.
- The island is a small monarchy in the Pacific.
institution of the royal family
The royal family and their official role in the country, seen as one public institution.
[attitude/action] toward the monarchy
- Public opinion about the monarchy has changed dramatically in recent decades.
- Some political parties openly campaign to abolish the monarchy.
- The scandal raised questions about the future of the British monarchy.
- Critics argue that the cost of the monarchy is too high for taxpayers.
- In that country, the monarchy still plays a central role in national ceremonies.
- Many young people do not support the monarchy.
- Some people want to abolish the monarchy.
- The British monarchy is famous around the world.
- The cost of the monarchy is often in the news.
- A big scandal can damage trust in the monarchy.
- Base: monarchy
- Plural: monarchies, monarchy
abolish the monarchy
1officially end the monarchy
To officially stop having a king, queen, or other royal family as part of the state.
- Some activists are campaigning to abolish the monarchy and create a republic.
- The revolutionaries promised to abolish the monarchy if they came to power.
absolute monarchy
1monarchy with near-total royal power
A monarchy where the king, queen, or other monarch has almost all the political power and is not limited much by laws or a parliament.
- Saudi Arabia is often described as an absolute monarchy.
- In an absolute monarchy, the ruler can usually make major decisions without approval from an elected body.
constitutional monarchy
1monarchy limited by a constitution
A monarchy where a king, queen, or other monarch must follow a written constitution and usually has mostly symbolic or limited powers.
- The United Kingdom is a well-known example of a constitutional monarchy.
- In a constitutional monarchy, elected politicians, not the monarch, usually make the main political decisions.
hereditary monarchy
1system where the crown is inherited
A system of government where the king or queen’s child usually becomes the next ruler.
- The country changed from a hereditary monarchy to a republic in the twentieth century.
- In a hereditary monarchy, the line of succession is carefully defined by law.
hereditary monarchy
2monarchy inherited within a family
A monarchy where the job of king or queen is usually given to a child or close family member of the last monarch.
- Most European royal families are part of a hereditary monarchy system.
- In a hereditary monarchy, the oldest child is often first in line to become the next ruler.