Absolute monarchy

Absolute monarchy is an idealized form of government, a monarchy where the ruler has the power to rule his or her country and citizens freely with no laws or legally-organized direct opposition telling him or her what to do, although some religious authority may be able to discourage the monarch from some acts and the sovereign is expected to act according to custom. There is no constitution or body of law above what is decreed by the sovereign. As a theory of civics, absolute monarchy puts total trust in well-bred and well-trained monarchs raised for the role from birth.

Modern examples

The remaining absolute monarchies in the modern world are in Saudi Arabia, Brunei, and Swaziland. One can also add the Vatican City state (headed by the Pope, who has absolute power).

Related Topics:
Saudi Arabia - Brunei - Swaziland - Vatican City - Pope - Absolute power

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In Jordan and Tonga, the monarch (although not absolute) retains considerable power.

Related Topics:
Jordan - Tonga

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In Nepal, King Gyanendra dismissed Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba due to the ongoing conflict with the Maoists, and formed his own cabinet http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/02/01/nepal.govt/, but claims democracy will return in 3 years.

Related Topics:
Nepal - King Gyanendra - Sher Bahadur Deuba - Maoists

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In Liechtenstein, nearly two-thirds of the tiny principality's electorate have agreed to give Prince Hans Adam veto power he asked for. Although this does not make Hans Adam an absolute monarch, it makes him closer to being an absolute monarch than almost all other royals in Europe.

Related Topics:
Liechtenstein - Prince Hans Adam - Veto

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Many of the nations in the Middle East, such as Qatar, and Kuwait, are said to be absolute monarchies as well, as their monarchs continue to hold great power under their respective constitutions. However, in these cases there are also parliaments and other council bodies that advise and curtail the monarch's effective authority.

Related Topics:
Middle East - Qatar - Kuwait - Parliament

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