List of African countries with a monarchical form of government. Which countries in Africa are monarchies

An absolute monarchy is a form of government in which the entire executive, legislative, judicial and military power concentrated in the hands of the monarch. At the same time, the presence of the parliament is possible, as well as the holding of parliamentary elections by the inhabitants of the country, but it is only an advisory body to the monarch and cannot in any way go against him.

In the world in a strict sense, there are only six countries with an absolute monarchy. If we consider it more openly, then the dualistic monarchy can also be equated with the absolute, and these are six more countries. Thus, there are twelve countries in the world in which power is somehow concentrated in one hand.

Surprisingly, in Europe (so fond of defending human rights and with irritation referring to any dictators) there are already two such countries! But at the same time, it is necessary to distinguish between absolute and constitutional monarchy, since there are a lot of kingdoms and principalities in Europe, but most of them are a constitutional monarchy, in which the head of state is the chairman of parliament.

And so, here are these twelve countries with an absolute monarchy:

1. . small state in the Middle East on the coast Persian Gulf. Dualistic monarchy, King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa since 2002.

2. (or Brunei for short). State in South-East Asia on the island of Kalimantan. Absolute monarchy, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah since 1967.

3. . A city-state entirely located in Rome. Theocratic monarchy, the country has been ruled by Pope Francis (Franciscus) since 2013.

4. (full name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan). Located in the Middle East. A dualistic monarchy, the country has been ruled by King Abdullah II ibn Hussein al-Hashimi since 1999.

5., a state in the Middle East, an absolute monarchy, the country has been ruled by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani since 2013.

6. . State in the Middle East. A dualistic monarchy, the country has been ruled by Emir Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah since 2006.

7. (full name: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg). State located in the center of Europe. Luxembourg is a dual monarchy and has been ruled by Grand Duke HRH Henri (Heinrich) since 2000.

8. (full name: Kingdom of Morocco) - a state located in the northwestern part of Africa. A dualistic monarchy, the country has been ruled by King Mohammed VI bin al Hassan since 1999.

9. . State in the Middle East, on the coast of the Persian Gulf. An absolute monarchy, the country has been ruled by President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan since 2004.

10. (full name: Sultanate of Oman). State on Arabian Peninsula. An absolute monarchy, the country has been ruled by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said since 1970.

eleven. . State in the Middle East. An absolute theocratic monarchy, the country has been ruled by King Salman ibn Abdul-Aziz ibn Abdurrahman al Saud since 2015.

12. . The state is located in southern Africa. A dualistic monarchy, the country has been ruled by King Mswati III (Mswati III) since 1986.

Reading historical novels with the constant presence of states ruled by kings, emperors, pharaohs, shahs, sultans, grand dukes and dukes, it seems that this is all a distant past. Brought up for generations on an atheistic, socialist and incomprehensibly what idea now, the citizens of Russia have forgotten that the monarchy is still strong all over the world - power from God. In different states, she is, but still legitimate, respected by the majority of her people. In which countries the monarchy has been preserved, how firmly it holds power in the changed conditions, this article will tell.

Rulers of Europe, Middle East

The undoubted leader of the monarchs of the whole world in terms of authority, length of time on the throne, the power of his country with dominions all over the planet, over which the sun still does not set, is the Queen of Great Britain, the head British Commonwealth nations Elizabeth II. She has ruled since 1952.

Interesting fact that the representative of the ruling dynasty is not only the supreme commander, but also the head of the Anglican Church. Apparently, the monarchs from the Windsors with an iron hand solve not only worldly problems, but also religious matters, leaving nothing without their control.

Despite the authoritarianism of Elizabeth II, the question - in which countries the absolute monarchy - does not apply to her. In Great Britain - a parliamentary monarchy, when in this case the power of the queen is limited by the constitution, she performs mainly representative functions. That's just something hard to believe in it.

parliamentary view constitutional monarchy also in Denmark - since 1972, Queen Magrete II, Sweden - since 1973, King Carl XVI Gustaf.

Kings also rule:

• Spain - Philip VI (since 2014).
• The Netherlands - Willem-Alexander (since 2013).
• Belgium - Philippe (since 2013).
• Norway - Harald V (since 1991).

Monaco has been ruled by Prince Albert II since 2005. A curious situation in Andorra is that there are two co-rulers here: Prince Joan Enric Vives y Cicilla since 2003 and French President Francois Hollande since 2012.

In general, the vaunted European democracy against the background of the triumph of the monarchical system, which came from the depths of centuries, makes a rather strange impression. Despite the presence of parliaments and other elected institutions of power, the monarchs of many European states are not decorative, but real rulers, respected and loved by their peoples.

Which countries have absolute monarchy? Basically, these are the countries of the Middle East, such as:

• Oman;
• Qatar;
• Saudi Arabia.

Here, the monarchs have truly unlimited power, like the rulers of the past, having the ability to execute and pardon, to lead the country, in accordance only with their own opinion. Perhaps to give a hint of new democratic trends, in some of these countries the people can sometimes express their aspirations through deliberative organizations.

Monarchs of the New World

The form of government in many countries discovered by Europeans and called the New World, long and often earlier than the states of the Old World, was already controlled solely by local rajas, sultans, emirs, as well as kings and emperors.

Which countries still have monarchies today?

• Japan. Emperor Akihito. Ruled since 1989. Wants to resign due to health reasons.
• Malaysia. King Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah.
• Cambodia. Ruled by King Norodom Sihamoni.
• Brunei. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

Those who have visited Thailand know with what respect and love the inhabitants of the country treat their monarch. When there was an attempt to legally limit his power, a political crisis erupted in the country, almost ending civil war. Recently, in October 2016, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who had ruled Thailand since 1946, passed away, and a year of mourning was declared in the country.

Answers to the question - in which countries the monarchy has been preserved - are often very unexpected, give food for thought. It turns out that half of the world lives under the "yoke" of individual rulers, but not only does not create Marxist circles, printing proclamations calling for the overthrow of tyrants, but sincerely loves its monarchs, members of the ruling dynasties. For example, in the UK, Thailand, and.

In our modern world 41 states have a monarchical form of government. All these countries mostly belong to the 3rd world and were formed as a result of the collapse of the colonial system. Often established along colonial administrative lines, these states are highly unstable entities. They can be fragmented and modified, which is seen, for example, in Iraq. They are engulfed in ongoing conflicts, like a significant number of countries in Africa. And it is absolutely obvious that they are not included in the category of advanced states. However, I would like to note that the monarchical system has many faces: from tribal forms of government that are used in Arab States to monarchical forms in many European countries.

List of states with a monarchical system:

Europe
Andorra - co-princes Nicolas Sarkozy (since 2007) and Joan Enric Vives y Cicilla (since 2003)

Belgium - King Albert II (since 1993)

Vatican - Pope Benedict XVI (since 2005)

Great Britain - Queen Elizabeth II (since 1952)

Denmark - Queen Margrethe II (since 1972)

Spain - King Juan Carlos I (since 1975)

Liechtenstein - Prince Hans-Adam II (since 1989)

Luxembourg - Grand Duke Henri (since 2000)

Monaco - Prince Albert II (since 2005)

Netherlands - Queen Beatrix (since 1980)

Norway - King Harald V (since 1991)

Sweden - King Carl XVI Gustaf (since 1973)

Asia
Bahrain - King Hamad ibn Isa al-Khalifa (since 2002, emir in 1999-2002)

Brunei - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (since 1967)

Bhutan - King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck (since 2006)

Jordan - King Abdullah II (since 1999)

Cambodia - King Norodom Sihamoni (since 2004)

Qatar - Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani (since 1995)

Kuwait - Emir of Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah (since 2006)

Malaysia - King Mizan Zainal Abidin (since 2006)

United United Arab Emirates UAE - President Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan (since 2004)

Oman - Sultan Qaboos bin Said (since 1970)

Saudi Arabia - King Abdullah ibn Abdulaziz al-Saud (since 2005)

Thailand - King Bhumibol Adulyadej (since 1946)

Japan - Emperor Akihito (since 1989)

Africa
Lesotho - King Letsie III (since 1996, first time in 1990-1995)

Morocco - King Mohammed VI (since 1999)

Swaziland - King Mswati III (since 1986)

Oceania
Tonga - King George Tupou V (since 2006)

A number of republican countries are forced to put up with the presence on their territory of local monarchical or tribal formations. These countries include: Uganda, Nigeria, Indonesia, Chad and others. The government turns to authoritative monarchs if it is necessary to resolve religious, ethnic and cultural disputes.

However, the monarchy is not an attachment to stability and prosperity, but an additional resource thanks to which the country can get out or endure this or that crisis. They are created from time immemorial, their title passes from generation to generation.

African autocrats

Benin. Joseph Langanfen, representative of the Abomi dynasty

Nigeria. Igwe Kenneth Nnaji Onimeke Orizu III. Obi (king) of the Nnevi tribe.

Benin. Agboli-Agbo Dejlani. Abomi King. A former police officer, he had to wait six years for his retirement before he was finally proclaimed in a secret ceremony the head of one of the Abomi clans.

Nigeria. In 1980, Sijuwade became the 50th oni (king) of Ilfa, one of the oldest African dynasties. Today it richest businessman, owning extensive property in Nigeria and England.

Cameroon. The background (king) of Banjun is the brother of bold and powerful animals. At night, he can transform into a panther and hunt in a shroud.

Ghana. Osediyo ado Danqua III. A graduate of the University of London and an economic adviser to the Ghanaian government.

Congo. Nyimi Kok Mabintsh III, King of Cuba. Now he is 50.

South Africa. Goodwill Zweletini, king of the Zulus.

Nigeria. Both Joseph Adecola Ogunoi. Tin (king) of the Ovo tribe.

What is a monarchy? Most often, this word causes people to associate with something magnificent, majestic and absolute. In this article, we will consider not only general concept, but also the types of monarchy, its purpose and goals both in the centuries-old history of mankind, and in this moment. If we briefly outline the topic of the article, then it can be formulated as follows: "Monarchy: concept, features, types."

What type of government is called a monarchy?

Monarchy is one of the types of government, which involves the sole leadership of the country. In other words, this is such a political device, when all power is in the hands of one person. Such a ruler is called a monarch, but in different countries you can hear other titles, namely: emperor, shah, king or queen - they are all monarchs, regardless of how they are called in their homeland. Another important feature of monarchical power is that it is inherited without any votes or elections. Naturally, if there are no direct heirs, then the laws that control the succession to the throne in monarchical countries. Thus, power most often passes to the next of kin, but world history knows many other options.

In general, the form of government in the state determines the structure of the highest power in the country, as well as the distribution of functions, responsibilities and duties of the highest legislative bodies. As for the monarchy, then, as already mentioned, all power belongs to a single ruler. The monarch receives it for life, and besides, he does not bear any legal responsibility for his decisions, although it is he who determines how the state should act in a given situation.

How to distinguish a monarchical form of government?

Regardless of what different types monarchies have their own differences, there are also basic features that are common to all. Such characteristics help to quickly and accurately determine that we are really dealing with monarchical power. So, the main features are:

1. There is a sole ruler who is the head of state.
2. The monarch exercises his power from the moment he takes office until his death.
3. The transfer of power occurs by kinship, which is called inheritance.
4. The monarch has every right to govern the state at his own discretion, his decisions are not discussed or questioned.
5. The monarch is not subject to legal responsibility for his actions or decisions.

About the types of monarchy

Like other types of government, monarchy is a fairly broad concept, therefore its subspecies with separate features are also defined. Almost all types and forms of monarchy can be grouped into the following list:

1. Despotism.
2. Absolute monarchy.
3. Constitutional monarchy (dualistic and parliamentary).
4. Estate-representative monarchy.

All of these forms of government retain the basic characteristics of a monarchy, but they have their own unique nuances that create differences between them. Further, it is worth discussing in more detail what types of monarchy and their signs are.

About despotism

Despotism is a variant of the monarchy, where the power of the ruler is generally not limited by anything. In this case, the monarch is called a despot. As a rule, his power comes from the military-bureaucratic apparatus. In other words, he controls subordinates through force, which is mainly expressed in the support of troops or other power structures.

Since absolutely all power is in the hands of a despot, the law that he establishes does not in any way limit his rights or opportunities. Thus, the monarch and his entourage can do whatever they see fit with impunity, and this will not have any consequences for them. negative consequences in a legal context.

An interesting fact: the great ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle mentioned despotism in one of his writings. He noted that this form of government is very similar to the situation with the master and his power over the slaves, where the master is an analogue of the despot monarch, and the slaves are the subjects of the ruler.

About absolute monarchy

Types of monarchy include the concept of absolutism. Here the main feature is that all power belongs exclusively to one person. Such a structure of power in the case of an absolute monarchy is dictated by law. It is also worth noting that absolutism and dictatorship are very similar species authorities.

The absolute monarchy indicates that in the state all spheres of life are single-handedly controlled by the ruler. That is, it controls the legislative, executive, judicial and military branches. Often even religious or spiritual power is entirely in his hands.

Considering this issue in more detail, we can say that the opinion about such a form of government as an absolute monarchy is rather ambiguous. The concept and types of state leadership are quite broad, but with regards to despotism and absolutism, it is worth noting that the best option is still the second. If in a totalitarian country, under the leadership of a despot, literally everything is controlled, freedom of thought is destroyed and many civil rights are humiliated, then an absolute monarchy can be very favorable for the people. Prosperous Luxembourg can serve as an example, the standard of living of the people in which is the highest in Europe. In addition, on this moment we can watch the views absolute monarchy in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar.

About constitutional monarchy

The difference between this type of government is the limited power of the monarch, established by the constitution, traditions, or sometimes even unwritten law. Here the monarch has no priority in the realm state power. It is also important that the restrictions are not just written down in the law, but actually implemented.

Types of constitutional monarchies:

1. dualistic monarchy. Here the power of the monarch is limited as follows: all decisions made by the monarch must be confirmed by a specially appointed minister. Without his resolution, no decision of the ruler will take effect. Another of the differences of the dualistic monarchy is that all executive power remains with the monarch.
2. parliamentary monarchy. It also limits the power of the monarch, and to such an extent that, in fact, he performs only a ceremonial or representative role. The ruler in a parliamentary monarchy has practically no real power left. Here, all executive power belongs to the government, which, in turn, is responsible to parliament.

On the estate-representative monarchy

In this form of monarchy, class representatives are involved, who are directly involved in the drafting of laws and government in general. The power of the monarch is also limited here, and this happens mainly due to the development of monetary and commodity relations. This put an end to the stability of the subsistence economy, which was then closed. Thus, the concept of centralization of power in a political context arose.

This type of monarchy was typical for the countries of Europe in the period from the 12th to the 14th century. Examples include the Parliament in England, the Cortes and Spain, the Estates General in France. In Russia it was Zemsky Sobors during the period from the 16th to the 17th century.

Examples of monarchical government in the modern world

In addition to these countries, absolute monarchy is established in Brunei and the Vatican. It is worth noting that the United Arab Emirates is, in fact, a federal state, but each of the seven emirates in this association is part of an absolute monarchy.

The clearest example of a parliamentary monarchy is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Holland is also sometimes referred to here.

Many countries belong to the constitutional monarchy, among which we highlight the following: Spain, Belgium, Monaco, Japan, Andorra, Cambodia, Thailand, Morocco and many more.

As far as the dualistic monarchy is concerned, there are three main examples worth mentioning here: Jordan, Morocco and Kuwait. It is worth noting that the latter is sometimes referred to as an absolute monarchy.

Weaknesses of the Monarchy

The monarchy, the concept and types of which were discussed above, is a political device, which, of course, has certain disadvantages.

The main problem is that the ruler and the people are too far from each other due to a kind of layer, it is here that they have weakness monarchy as a form of government. All types of monarchies, without exception, are distinguished by this shortcoming. The ruler is almost completely isolated from his people, which negatively affects both the relationship and the monarch's understanding of the real situation, and, accordingly, the adoption of important decisions. This is a small fraction of the unpleasant moments that are provoked by this state of affairs.

It is also obvious that when a country is governed in accordance with the preferences and moral principles of only one person, this introduces a certain subjectivity. A monarch is only a human being and, like ordinary citizens, is subject to fits of pride and self-confidence that come from the rapture of unlimited power. If we add to this the impunity of the ruler, then a rather characteristic picture is observed.

Another not entirely successful moment of the monarchical system is the transfer of the title by inheritance. Even if we consider the types of limited monarchy, this aspect is still present. The trouble is that the heirs following the law do not always turn out to be worthy people. This concerns both the general and organizational characteristics of the future monarch (for example, not everyone is strong enough or wise enough to rule the country), and his health (most often mental). So, power can pass into the hands of a mentally unbalanced and stupid older brother, although the royal family has a wiser and more adequate younger heir.

Types of monarchy: pros and cons

History shows that most often in a monarchical form of government, the people did not like the aristocracy. The problem was that people belonging to the upper strata of society were financially and intellectually different from the majority, respectively, this sowed natural enmity and gave rise to mutual hostility. But it is worth noting that if at the court of the monarch a policy was introduced that weakened the positions of the aristocracy, then its place was firmly occupied by the bureaucracy. Naturally, this state of affairs was even worse.

As for the lifetime power of the monarch, this is an ambiguous aspect. On the one hand, having the ability to make decisions for a long time, the monarch could work for the future. That is, counting on the fact that he would rule for several decades, the ruler gradually and consistently implemented his policy. This is not bad for the country, if the vector of development of the state is chosen correctly and for the benefit of the people. On the other hand, holding the post of monarch for more than one decade, bearing the burden of state care on your shoulders, is rather tiring, which may subsequently affect the efficiency of work.

Summing up, we can say that the monarchy is good as follows:

1. A well-established succession to the throne helps keep the country relatively stable.
2. A monarch who rules for life is able to do more than a ruler who is limited in time.
3. All aspects of the life of the country are controlled by one person, so he can see the whole picture very clearly.

Of the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting the following:

1. Hereditary power could doom a country to life under the control of a person who is simply not capable of being a ruler for one reason or another.
2. The distance between the common people and the monarchs is incommensurable. The existence of an aristocracy very sharply divides the people into social strata.

Disadvantages for good

Quite often, the dignity of the monarchy turned out to be a problem in one situation or another. But sometimes everything happened the other way around: the seemingly unacceptable lack of the monarchy unexpectedly helped and acted for the good of the people.

In this section, we will touch on the topic of the injustice of the monarchy. Undoubtedly, many politicians who want to come to power are not satisfied with the fact that the title of the ruler of the country is inherited. The people, in turn, are often dissatisfied with the clear and inexorable stratification of society along class lines. But on the other hand, the hereditary power of the monarch stabilizes many political, social and economic processes in the state. The inevitable inheritance of power levers prevents unconstructive competition between a huge number of candidates claiming the post of ruler. Competition between contenders for the right to rule the country can lead to instability in the state and even military conflict resolution. And since everything is predetermined, peace and prosperity are achieved in the region.

Republic

There is another important point worth discussing are the types of monarchies and republics. Since a lot has been said about the monarchy, we turn to an alternative form of government. A republic is a form of government where all government bodies are formed through elections and exist in this composition for a limited period. It is important to understand this in order to see the fundamental difference between these types of leadership: a monarchical government, where the people are not given a choice, and a republic, the leading representatives of which are elected by the people themselves on certain period. The elected candidates make up the parliament, which actually governs the country. In other words, the candidates elected by the citizens, and not the heirs of the monarchical dynasty, become the head of the republican state.

The Republic is the most popular form of government in world practice, which has repeatedly proven its effectiveness. An interesting fact: most of the states of the modern world are officially republics. If we talk about numbers, then in 2006 there were 190 states, of which 140 were republics.

Types of republics and their main characteristics

Not only the monarchy, the concepts and types of which we have considered, is divided into structural parts. For example, the main classification of such a form of government as a republic consists of four types:

1. Parliamentary republic. Based on the name, one can understand that here most of the power is in the hands of the parliament. It is this Legislature is the government of the country with that form of government.
2. Presidential republic. Here the main levers of power are concentrated in the hands of the president. Also, its task is to coordinate the actions and relations between all the leading branches of government.
3. Mixed republic. It is also called semi-presidential. The main characteristic of this form of government is the dual responsibility of the government, which is subordinate to both the parliament and the president.
4. Theocratic Republic. In such a formation, power for the most part or even wholly owned by the ecclesiastical hierarchy.

Conclusion

Knowledge of what types of monarchy can be found in the modern world helps to better understand the features of government. By studying history, we can observe the triumph or collapse of countries ruled by monarchs. This type of state power was one of the steps on the way to those forms of government that prevail in our time. Therefore, to know what a monarchy is, the concept and types of which we have discussed in detail, is very important for people who are interested in the political processes taking place on the world stage.

For many centuries, in almost the entire civilized world, power was organized according to the type of monarchy. Then the existing system was overthrown by revolutions or wars, but there are still states that consider this form of government acceptable for themselves. So, what are the types of monarchy and how do they differ from each other?

Monarchy: concept and types

The word "μοναρχία" existed in ancient Greek and meant "unanimity". It is easy to guess that the monarchy in the historical and political sense- This is a form of government in which all power or most of it is concentrated in the hands of one person.

The monarch in different countries is called differently: emperor, king, prince, king, emir, khan, sultan, pharaoh, duke and so on. Transfer of power by inheritance feature which distinguishes the monarchy.

The concept and types of monarchies is an interesting subject for study by historians, political scientists and even politicians. A wave of revolutions, starting with the Great French, overthrew such a system in many countries. However, in the 21st century modern views monarchies successfully continue to exist in Great Britain, Monaco, Belgium, Sweden and other states. Hence the numerous disputes on the topic whether the monarchical system limits democracy and whether such a state can develop intensively at all?

Classic signs of a monarchy

Numerous types of monarchy differ from each other in a number of ways. But there is also general provisions which are present in most of them.

There are examples in history when some types of republic and monarchy bordered on each other so closely. political structure that it was difficult to give the state an unambiguous status. For example, at the head of the Commonwealth was a monarch, but he was elected by the Sejm. Some historians call the ambiguous political regime of the Republic of Poland - gentry democracy.

Types of monarchy and their signs

There are two large groups monarchies that have formed:

• according to the limits of monarchical power;
• taking into account the traditional structure of power.

Before analyzing in detail the features of each of the forms of government, it is necessary to determine existing species monarchy. The table will help make this clear.

Absolute monarchy

Absolutus - from Latin it is translated as "unconditional". Absolute and constitutional are the main types of monarchy.

An absolute monarchy is a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in the hands of one person and is not limited to any state structures. This way political organization similar to a dictatorship, since in the hands of the monarch can be not only the fullness of the military, legislative, judicial and executive power, but even religious.

In the Age of Enlightenment, theologians began to explain the right of one person to the sole control over the fate of the entire people or state by the divine exclusivity of the ruler. That is, the monarch is the anointed of God on the throne. The religious people sacredly believed in this. There are cases when terminally ill Frenchmen came to the walls of the Louvre on certain days. People believed that by touching the hand Louis XIV, they will receive the desired healing from all their diseases.

There are different types of absolute monarchy. For example, an absolute theocratic is a kind of monarchy in which the head of the church is also the head of state. The most famous European country with this form of government - the Vatican.

A constitutional monarchy

This form of monarchical government is considered progressive, as the power of the ruler is limited by ministers or parliament. The main types of constitutional monarchy are dualistic and parliamentary.

In a dualistic organization of power, the monarch is given executive power, but no decision can be made without the approval of the respective minister. Parliament retains the right to vote the budget and pass laws.

In a parliamentary monarchy, all the levers of government are actually concentrated in the hands of parliament. The monarch approves the candidacies of ministers, but the parliament nominates them anyway. It turns out that the hereditary ruler is simply a symbol of his state, but without the approval of parliament he cannot accept a single state important decision. In some cases, parliament can even dictate to the monarch on what principles he should build his personal life.

ancient eastern monarchy

If we analyze in detail the list describing the types of monarchy, the table would begin with the ancient Eastern monarchical formations. This is the first form of monarchy that appeared in our world, and it had peculiar features.

ruler in such public entities a leader of the community was appointed, who managed religious and economic affairs. One of the main duties of the monarch was to serve the cult. That is, he became a kind of priest, and organizing religious ceremonies, interpreting divine signs, keeping the wisdom of the tribe - these were his primary tasks.

Since the ruler in the eastern monarchy was directly connected with the gods in the minds of the people, he was granted fairly wide powers. For example, he could interfere in the intra-tribal affairs of any family and dictate his will.

In addition, the ancient Eastern monarch monitored the distribution of land among subjects and the collection of taxes. He set the amount of labor and duties, led the army. Such a monarch necessarily had advisers - priests, noble people, elders.

Feudal monarchy

The types of monarchy as a form of government have been transformed over time. After the ancient Eastern monarchy, primacy in political life adopted a feudal form of government. It is divided into several periods.

The early feudal monarchy appeared as a result of the evolution of slave-owning states or the primitive communal system. As is known, the first rulers of such states were universally recognized military commanders. Relying on the support of the army, they established their supreme power over the peoples. To strengthen his influence in certain regions, the monarch sent his deputies there, from whom the nobility was subsequently formed. The rulers did not bear any legal responsibility for their deeds. There were practically no institutions of power. This description fits the ancient Slavic state - Kievan Rus.

After a period of feudal fragmentation, patrimonial monarchies began to form, in which large feudal lords inherited not only power, but also lands to their sons.

Then, for some time in history, there was a class-representative form of government, until most states turned into absolute monarchies.

Theocratic monarchy

Types of monarchy, differing in the traditional structure, include in their list the theocratic form of government.

In such a monarchy, the absolute ruler is the representative of religion. Under this form of government spiritual person all three branches of government are being taken over. Examples of such states in Europe have survived only on the territory of the Vatican, where the Pope is both the head of the church and the ruler of state. But in Muslim countries there are a few more modern theocratic-monarchical examples - Saudi Arabia, Brunei.

Types of monarchy today

The flame of the revolution failed to eradicate the monarchical system throughout the world. This form of government has survived into the 21st century in many respected countries.

In Europe, in the small parliamentary principality of Andorra, as of 2013, two princes ruled at once - Francois Hollande and Joan Enric Vives y Cicilla.

In Belgium, King Philip has been on the throne since 2013. A small country with a smaller population than Moscow or Tokyo is not just a constitutional parliamentary monarchy, but also a federal territorial system.

Pope Francis has been the head of the Vatican since 2013. The Vatican is a city-state that still maintains a theocratic monarchy.

The famous parliamentary monarchy of Great Britain has been ruled by Queen Elizabeth II since 1952, and in Denmark by Queen Margrethe II since 1972.

In addition, the monarchical system has been preserved in Spain, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Order of Malta, Monaco and many other countries.