Who rules //
Royal Rulers - Absolute Monarchy
What is an absolute monarchy?
An absolute monarchy has just one leader, a bit like a dictatorship. The leader is called the monarch. This could be a king, queen or emperor.
What would life be like under an absolute
monarchy?
Unless you're part of the royal family, then you have no chance of influencing what's going on in the country. Power belongs to members of the royal family and is not passed on to anyone without royal connection. Marrying a prince or princess is your best chance of gaining any influence.
Key Points
- There is one leader called a monarch.
- You can only ever become the monarch by being the eldest son or closest living relative to the royal ruler.
- The people of the country have to be loyal to their monarch.
- The monarch makes decisions based on their beliefs and opinions and appoints people to help run the country.
Reality Bytes: Kuwait
Emir Jabir Al Ahmad A Jabir Al Sabah has been the monarch of Kuwait since 1977. The monarch is referred to as the Emir. There is a prime minister who has been chosen by the Emir. Although political parties aren't allowed, some people are allowed to vote for candidates to represent them in the national assembly. Only men over the age of 21 are allowed to vote at present, although women do have many of the same rights as men in Kuwait.
Kuwait: Women demonstrating for the right to vote.
Interesting Facts
- Britain used to be an absolute monarchy until the Glorious Revolution in 1688.
- Nepal, Swaziland and the Vatican City are the only remaining true absolute monarchies in the world today.
Big Question
- There is just a handful of absolute monarchies left in the world today. Why do you think they have declined?
