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Difference between Democracy and Monarchy | Democracy vs Monarchy

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 14th, 2023

Difference between Democracy and Monarchy: The major difference between democracy and monarchy is the power given to the general people to choose their ruler. A democracy is a government where individuals can select their governing legislation. Monarchy, on the other hand, is a form of government in which an individual, commonly known as a monarch, is the state’s leader for life or until abdication. People have no say in the formulation of laws and in choosing their leader.

Difference between Democracy and Monarchy PDF

In this article, Democracy vs Monarchy difference is tabulated based on multiple factors such as definition, formation of laws, responsibilities of elected representatives, etc. All UPSC aspirants must check the similarity and difference between Democracy and Monarchy provided below.

Difference between Democracy and Monarchy

Democracy is a form of government in which individuals can select their governing legislation. In contrast, a monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch or a king has full authority over decision-making, the formation of laws, etc.

Below is a tabular representation of the difference between Democracy and Monarchy.

Democracy vs Monarchy

Difference Between Monarchy and Democracy
Democracy Monarchy
When a nation is led by a Government elected by its citizens through elections, it is known as a Democracy. When a nation is governed by Kings and Queens, when the privilege to rule a country is enacted through a dynasty and not through elections, it is known as a monarchy.
The elected delegates make the laws, regulations, and statutes on the people’s behalf for the citizens’ benefit. The Kings and Queens frame the statutes, and citizens have no right to speak in the law formulation.
The elected representatives are held responsible by the individuals of the nation.

Therefore, elections are held, and candidates lose their right to rule if they do not fulfil the citizens’ expectations.

Monarchs have no responsibility.

Individuals do not have the authority to remove monarchs from power if they are unhappy with their government.

People can provide their feedback on procedures, have the opportunity to bring about modifications in the policies, and have the privilege of blaming the Government. Individuals do not have the power to condemn the Monarchy.
People do not face pressure from a democratically chosen Government People may encounter oppression if the monarch is a tyrant.

Democracy and Monarchy

Democracy is a better option in the modern world, but it should be well-regulated by the judiciary. When it comes to the debate of Monarchy vs democracy, it is important to consider the merits and demerits of both.

Suppose a king is responsible and accountable to the people. In that case, Monarchy can also be a better option as it will form a more stable government where people will trust their leader, and there will be less corruption as Monarch is the sole leader.

  • Additionally, democracy does not always result in the benefit of the people.
  • In modern times, our leaders come out during elections, make false promises, get the votes, and then rule over at their discretion and for the benefit of their political party for the next 5 years.
  • On the other hand, in a monarchy, people have no say in the government.
  • If they are unhappy with their leader, they have no power to overthrow the government, which is not the case with democracy.
  • In a democracy, people can protest if they want the government to hear their demands.
  • They can put forward their views on various platforms, including social media.

To talk about how democracy differs from Monarchy, let us first go through the meaning of both, along with important features.

What is Democracy?

‘Democracy’ derives from Greek roots and implies “rule by the people”. Democracy in the contemporary world is a form of government where common individuals have the ultimate control over how the country operates.

Two main features of democracy are as follows:

  • Representation of Minority Community: Every country across the globe has minority communities on one ground or the other. It is one of the principal features of democracy to provide equal citizenship privileges to all its citizens. Oppression and exclusion of minorities are despised. The nation’s legal authority aids people in holding an equal status of life and earnings in every possible way.
  • Rule within the Country’s Constitutional Law: In a democratic nation, the ruling government is not supreme. Instead, a democratic country’s administrative body holds the ultimate authority, as defined by the country’s constitution.

Since a new government is elected after a specified period, it exclusively holds the authority to make decisions and execute them while changing some established regulations. In addition, all such activities can only get accomplished under the surveillance of the country’s legislation, which is independent of the ruling Government.

The positions are owned by the country’s people based on their worth and aptitudes.

What is Monarchy?

A monarchy is a government where the state and government leader are selected based on birthright. The monarch’s crown differs, but the most famous is a King or a Queen. Two main characteristics of a monarchy are as follows:

  • Divine Right: Monarchies and theology usually run hand in hand. Countries with state religions tend to have powerful associations between that religion and the nation’s monarchy, and the leader or the ruler holds a divine right.
  • Lifelong Rule: A monarch will remain the head of the country for as long as the monarchy exists. While most politicians in a democracy hold term limitations, monarchs ascend to the throne in succession, usually after the former ruler departs.

Similarities between Democracy and Monarchy

After learning the difference between democracy and monarchy, it is time to look at the similarities between the two forms of government.

  • Both are a type of authority in the government.
  • In both types, there are influences of powerful people over the country.
  • In a Monarchy, the seat acquisition is hereditary, and in a democracy, people with powerful ties with the leaders are preferred to run the elections.
  • In both types, the ruling party/leader subjugates people’s interests.

Conclusion:

Key Difference between Democracy and Monarchy

The key difference between Democracy and Monarchy is that Democracy is a kind of Government wherein citizens can provide their feedback on procedures and have the right to blame the Government, whereas Monarchy is a type of Government rule where individuals do not have the right to criticize the independent ruler.

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