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Source– The post is based on the article “Could constitutional monarchy crack a democratic conundrum?” published in the mint on 27th September 2022.
Syllabus: GS2- Indian Polity
Relevance– Threats to democracy
News– The article explains the relevance of constitutional monarchy in context of emergence of demagogues across democracies in the world. It also explains the need to be cautious about blind faith on constitutional monarchs for checking demagogues.
What are arguments against constitutional monarchy?
It is an old institution. It has lost its relevance in current times.
Concept of monarchy is against the democratic principles of equality and elected head of states.
Monarchy is ceremonial and symbolic. It is not very different from Republicanism.
It does not enjoy any executive authority and puts a fiscal burden on society.
| According to Merriam-Webster, a demagogue is a leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power. |
What are the arguments in support of constitutional monarchy?
Biggest threat to democracy today comes from demagogues and not constitutional monarchs.
Far rights leaders are emerging across the world. They are assuming absolute powers by leveraging the electoral system.
Plato also warned about this weakness of democracy.
The US constitution also recognizes this weakness. It has introduced a system of checks and balances and separation of powers to guard against demagogues.
Constitutional monarchs enjoys legitimacy and popularity among the masses. They can act as a stabilizing role in democracy. They can act as bulwark against demagogues.
What are the arguments against it?
If people don’t find constitutional monarchs useful, they can lose popular support and legitimacy. It will result in abolition of the institution.
Constitutional monarchy may usurp power from Parliament. They can assume absolute powers.
Constitutional monarchy may not be a magical solution. They can act as institutional bulwark against threats to democracy.
