Understanding Monarchy and Socialism: Political Systems Explained

Monarchy

When most of us think of a monarchy, we think of the political systems of medieval European countries. In a monarchy, a ruler is not usually chosen by the voice of the people or their representatives. Often, a monarch is the head of state until they abdicate or until death. In many cases, a monarch is the final word in government. There may be functionaries to make decisions and run the political system, but the monarch has discretion with the laws and how they are enforced.

Types of Monarchies

However, as with other political systems, there are different types of monarchies. The type that many of us think of as common is the absolute monarchy, in which the monarch truly has the ultimate say in matters of government. However, most monarchies in political systems today do not follow this method. Many of them, especially in the developed world, have limits.

Constitutional Monarchies

Constitutional monarchies fall into this category (and are sometimes considered republics as well). In this type of monarchy, the ruler is the head of state, but a constitution limits their power, and others make the laws. The UK, Denmark, Kuwait, Spain, Sweden, Tuvalu, and many more are examples of constitutional monarchies.

Other Variations

Other types of monarchies include:

• Duchies
• Grand duchies
• Elective monarchy (where the monarch is actually elected)
• Non-sovereign monarchy

Socialism

Socialism arose as a response to the Industrial Revolution, which was the emergence of technologies such as the steam engine and mass production. It caused major upheavals: in a very short time, many people were forced to abandon agricultural ways of life for the modern mechanized world of factories. Truly influential socialist theories did not emerge until industrialization expanded in the mid-nineteenth century.

Karl Marx is the best-known theorist of socialism, alongside figures such as Karl Kautsky, Vladimir Lenin, and Antonio Gramsci.

Core Beliefs

• Collectivism: Human beings are social by nature, and society should respect this. Individualism is considered poisonous.
• Public ownership: Society, not individuals, should own the property.
• Central economic planning: The government plans the economy; there is no free market.
• Economic equality: All citizens have roughly the same level of prosperity.