At a glance

Monarchism favors retaining or restoring a monarch as head of state; it ranges from constitutional monarchy to support for extensive royal power.

Core principles

  • Hereditary or dynastic head of state
  • Institutional continuity
  • Symbolic or governing role for a monarch

Origins & development

Monarchy long preceded modern electoral states. Contemporary monarchist movements differ over whether a sovereign should govern or serve mainly as a constitutional figure.

Economic outlook

Monarchism alone does not specify an economic system; monarchists can support markets, welfare states or state direction.

Society & government

Constitutional monarchists can accept parliamentary democracy, while absolute monarchists assign the ruler far greater power.

Variations & related traditions

Constitutional monarchism and absolute monarchism should be distinguished. Monarchist parties may also differ on nationalism and religion.

Debates & criticisms

Debates concern hereditary office, democratic accountability, continuity and the political value of a nonpartisan head of state.