Constitutional monarchy
Topic: Democracy: Forms of Government, Principles and Outcomes · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 9 "From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments"; Class 9, Ch 6 "Democracy"; Class 11, Ch 1 "Constitution: Why and How?"; Class 11, Ch 4 "Executive"
Meaning
In a constitutional monarchy, a hereditary monarch is head of state only in name. Elected governments hold real power. The monarch acts within limits set by the constitution and usually acts on the advice of elected ministers. A country can keep its royal family and still be a democracy.
Example
The United Kingdom (King Charles III since 2022), Japan, Canada and Bhutan (2008 Constitution) are constitutional monarchies. India took the UK's parliamentary system but replaced the hereditary head with an elected President. Nepal abolished its monarchy altogether in 2008.
Don't confuse with
- Absolute monarchy: the ruler makes, enforces and judges the law without constitutional limits, as in Saudi Arabia.