SEPTEMBER 2022

People have debated the merits of democracy and monarchy for centuries as separate forms of government. There are strong arguments on both sides.

Some argue that democracy is the best form of government because it gives people the freedom to elect their leaders and hold them accountable for their actions.

Supporters of democracy argue that it is the best way to ensure freedom and equality for all people. They also point out that in a democratic government, people can remove representatives from power if they are unhappy with their performance.

• सफल ब्रिटिश लोकतंत्र और राजशाही 

Yet, there is always the risk that government officials will abuse their power or act in their self-interest.

• Legacy of Queen Elizabeth II

• British Border Bungling and BREXIT 

• BRITAIN'S Nuclear U-Turn 

In a democracy, all citizens have an equal say in the government, regardless of their social status.

On the other hand, a monarchy as a form of government relies on privilege and does not provide equality to its citizens.

Others argue that monarchy is the best form of government because it ensures that power passes smoothly through the royal family. 

There is consistency. Supporters of monarchy say that it also provides stability and continuity, as well as a clear line of succession.

The downside is that monarchy, on the other hand, gives power to a single individual or family, who rules based on their birthright rather than merit. 

In a monarchy, there is the risk that an aristocracy will develop, with privileged families holding more power than others.

Democracy and monarchy are two diametrically opposite systems of government. However, in the case of Britain, the two have worked together quite well for centuries.

Britain has a unique system that combines elements of both democracy and monarchy. It’s a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. The head of state is the Monarch, though largely symbolic, but the people elect the government. 

In Britain, the Monarch appoints the Prime Minister (the head of government) and then forms a government. The Monarch also has the power to dissolve Parliament and call a general election. 

In addition, the Monarch gives Royal Assent to legislation passed by Parliament (although this is now essentially a formality).

While the Monarch’s powers are limited, they help to ensure that democracy works smoothly in Britain. For instance, the Monarch’s appointment of the Prime Minister prevents a ‘hung Parliament’, where no party has an overall majority. 

Similarly, the Monarch’s power to dissolve Parliament ensures that there is always somebody in-charge and that democratically elected representatives are accountable to the people.

•  सफल ब्रिटिश लोकतंत्र और राजशाही 

In short, while democracy and monarchy may seem like two very different systems of government, this system has been in place for centuries and has evolved to meet the needs of a changing society.

One of the critical reasons for this is that the British monarchy is no longer an absolute power. While the Monarch still holds considerable influence, they are limited by Parliament and the law. 

As a result, they cannot act unilaterally in a way that would undermine democracy. The royal family does not play an active role in government, and its members are not above the law.

In addition, the Monarch provides a sense of stability and continuity in an otherwise uncertain world. During economic or political turmoil, the Monarch can act as a unifying force, helping to bring people together. 

Finally, it should be noted that the monarchy is far from being a perfect institution. However, it has shown itself to be adaptable over time.

Others say that it is an essential part of British national identity and provides a vital check on the powers of elected politicians.

At the same time, Britain has a long tradition of elected government, and its people enjoy a high degree of freedom. This balance between democracy and monarchy has worked in Britain.

One reason for the success is that the British monarchy was not as powerful as it once was. For example, the king or Queen no longer has the authority to make laws or declare war.

This balanced power-sharing has allowed democracy to flourish while still allowing the Monarch to retain some level of power. 

Another reason why democracy and monarchy have been able to coexist in Britain is because of the strong tradition of constitutional rule. 

The monarch had been a unifying figurehead representing all British citizens, regardless of their political views. In the times of BREXIT and the divisive politics of Donald Trump, the Queen embodied stability and calmness. 

Earlier, King George VI led the country through world war II, as people admired him for his leadership. In an exemplary show of courage, he stayed back in London, along with the general population, braving the Nazi bombing.

• सफल ब्रिटिश लोकतंत्र और राजशाही 

Remarkable as it is, Britain has never had a military coup or a significant uprising, unlike in other countries. Neither had it been under political emergency. 

This steadiness has allowed democracy and monarchy to survive even during political turmoil. Ultimately, democracy and monarchy have been able to coexist in Britain because of a combination of historical factors and modern realities.

However, it has also resulted in a definite amount of privilege and inequality. The aristocracy has always enjoyed a higher standard of living than the general population. 

Also, the royals have forever been exempted from paying taxes. Therefore, the new heir to the throne will not pay inheritance tax like the ordinary people.

While the monarchy is a constitutional institution with little real power, it still occupies a distinctive position. They continue to be the face of Britishness. 

Some may argue though, that the monarchy is an anachronism and brings a class system to society.

Proponents of democracy reason that the monarchy is a problem. They point to the fact that Britain is one of the only developed democracies in which the head of state is not democratically elected.

Another problem is the cost of maintaining the monarchy. It is a waste of money when so many other sectors need funds. In 2018, it was estimated that the total cost of the monarchy was £345 million. 

It includes things like security, travel and maintenance of royal properties. Some reason that a living monarchy brings higher tourism revenue.

In Britain, taxes are collected by the central government and then distributed to the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

It allows for decentralisation, with each government spending money on services specific to their region. However, it also means that taxes collected in England are used to subsidise services in other parts of the United Kingdom. 

The dependency of Wales, Scotland and Northern Island on England is a serious issue; even though the monarchy is the head of state for all of them, yet the discontent remains historically unresolved like many other disputes. 

As a result, Scotland has already attempted an independence referendum, and Northern Ireland is sitting on the edge.

Taxes are still a significant issue in Britain, and the border issue due to BREXIT has gotten exaggerated.

It must be pointed out that the successful mix of modern British democracy and constitutional monarchy is result of Queen Elizabeth's personality. Therefore, whether  the mix will work in future will depend on Queen’s heirs.

• सफल ब्रिटिश लोकतंत्र और राजशाही 

With all the controversies and scandals in the royal family, pro-republicans continue to argue that monarchy in Britain is an outdated institution that should be replaced by full democracy.

With new monarch at the helm of Britain, time will tell whether King Charles III will continue to uphold the success of the Monarchy and Democracy in Britain.