What are some disadvantages of absolute monarchy?
Answer
Monarchs have a difficult job. They have to walk the fine line of being strict enough that the subjects won't throw a fit when they don't get what they want but at the same time not being too dictatorial (or else the people will rebel)
For some monarchs, this too much to ask. They will do what they want, no matter how many toes they step on. They do this because they feel worthy and their subjects are unworthy. The worst part of that is, if your current king is not like that, his son could be. So with monarchies you're taking a big chance.
Power mad, that's the only down side. As long as they keep the countries best interest in sight they will always do there best and not care for money.
Cons -
Unilateral decision-making can lead to rash decisions with undesirable consequences
Citizens' interests may not be represented
Succession is not based on a person's fitness as a leader
Change of government is typically achieved through violent and bloody means
Experts and adviser may not be given a proper chance to give honest advice about ruler's policy decisions
Pros-
The advantages of an absolute monarchy are highly dependent on the nation state in question. Where the national identity is fractured a single enduring head of state can provide a focus for a sense of national consciousness and pride. Where a nation lacks a tradition of the peaceful hand over of power, infrequent changes of government can provide stability. Where these advantages have been sought outside of monarchy, warlords, political strong men and such have never been able to achieve the political legitimacy conferred on a reigning monarch.
Monarch can also assist in development through the suppression of official corruption. Where the citizenry (or subjects) lack the power to defend property rights these same property rights can be vested in the person of the monarch. Corruption by lower officials becomes a personal crime against the monarch which in theory the monarch has the power to respond to. The monarch can not him or herself engage in theft since in theory everything already belongs to him or her.
The list of nations for whom the lack of civil society and stability make the only alternative to single person rule, chaos and anarchy can be readily culled from the bottom of the index of failed nations states. For these nations, which may aspire to other more representative forms of government, monarchy may provide an attractive interim solution of national governance.
More developed nations may benefit from monarchy where ethnic identity is stronger than national identity. Under these circumstances representative forms of government have a tendency to be develop into a "spoils" system, which divides resources and power among politicians with little incentive to serve the nations as a whole. In theory the monarch can stand above the fractions and administer the nation fairly, efficiently and move quickly to address national crises.
As long as they have the best for the country in mind can't go wrong really, maybe a few mistakes but that always happens and will be easy to fix. if not will be forgiven much more easier than if its was a group of people.
Allows for quick and decisive decision-making
Good for military command
Allows for long-term stability of leadership
Can create a higher sense of nationalism & national identity
Avoids inefficiencies of poly-cameral legislative bodies.
Political stability, predictable diplomatic pattern, ruler stabilty because the head of monarchy does not change.
It should be noted that all of the advantages listed here are highly dependent on finding a single person able and willing to nurture the power of the monarchy over a significant portion of his or her lifetime. Under the best circumstances the monarch will act to legitimize his or her rule through the building of a strong civil society, strong political institutions and the management of factions through power sharing arrangements that make long tenure in office acceptable to the various fractions of the political establishment.
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