9781422277720

are also many examples of weak, frivolous, or corrupt monarchs whose reigns proved disastrous. Such cases show the weakness of a system in which governing authority is treated as a birthright. Forms of Monarchies Monarchies are not all the same. The power of a sovereign can vary from nation to nation. An absolute monarchy is a monarchy that is not limited by the laws or constitution of the nation. The head of state holds absolute authority. He or she has the power to make, enforce, and interpret the laws, as well as determine punishments. In an absolute monarchy the king or queen rules by decree and

Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman is an absolute monarch. He controls all powers of government, and his authority is not limited by a constitution or set of laws.

answers to no judicial, legislative, religious, or electoral body. A constitutional monarchy is a system of government in which the monarch has limited powers, which are specified by the nation’s constitution or laws. In such systems, the author- ity to create new laws rests with a parliament , assembly, or some other legislative body. Usually the head of government is a prime minister, chief minister, or premier. In some constitu-

Traditions of the Monarchy

11