WEEK THREE

MONARCHY

Definition, forms, merits, demerits, features of monarchy

Monarchy system of government is a form of government in which a king, queen or emperor hold power for life. A
monarch is a despotic regime in which the ruler is subject to dictate of custom, local privileges or his own laws

In some monarchy states, the king is the hereditary leader of the people and the ruler of the state. Examples of monarchy is the
queen as the head of state in Britain, and also the rule of emir in the northern part of Nigeria, the rule Oba in the southern part
and the rule of Obi in the eastern part of the country.

Forms of Monarchy

Absolute Monarchy: This occurs when there is no established constitutional authority to check the king’s power or call him to
order.

Constitutional Monarchy: The power is regulated by the constitution. It is found in Britain, Netherlands etc. Constitutional
monarchs are just ceremonial heads; they only perform function allotted to them by the constitution.

Merits of Monarchy

Protector: The monarch serves as the protector of the people at large from the tyranny of the few

Natural Institution: People obey kings and queen naturally as they obey their parents because he/she is seen as a chief
shepherd.

Emergency: Monarchy is best adopted in emergency situation for he needs not consult anybody before taking actions. The
Monarch single handedly takes decisions most of the time.

Unity and Orderliness: A state is seen to be well secured when supreme authority is vested in a single ruler because it enhance
unity

Harmonization: Monarchy helps to harmonize different interests and prevents social strife, conflicts and chaos

Demerits of Monarchy

Rigidity: This is a peculiar attribute of a monarch that they find it difficult to change economic and social conditions

Despotism: A monarch could be despotic to keep the people weak, so that they may be unable to resist him.

Bad ruler: Good intentions and ability are not hereditary, so a monarch can be a bad ruler

Cruel and harsh administration: A number of monarch are often seen or accused of harshness and cruel towards their
followers

Republican Government
 A republican form of government can be defined as a sovereign state headed by a president, elected for a fixed term
of office. It has no traditional ruler unlike monarchy.

Nigeria as witnessed four different republics since her independence

First Republic 1963-1966: In the first republic, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe was elected as president (a ceremonial head) in a
parliamentary system of government

Second republic 1979-1983: Alhaji Shehu Shagari was elected executive president of the country as both the head of state and
head of government

Third republic was aborted under Ibrahim Babangida

The fourth republic 1999-2003: President Olusegun Obasanjo was elected president; head of state and head of government.

Examples of republican government are Republic of Nigeria, U.S.A, Cameroun, France etc.

Features of a Republican Government

Popular and periodic elections: Succession into political offices are through elections and usually periodic. In some political
system four or five years e.g. In Nigeria elections are held every four years

Rule of law: There is supremacy of the constitution and rulers must abide by its provisions

Term of office: Leaders can only hold office for a fixed term only. For example, the second and third republic constitutions in
Nigeria’s presidential system of government allow for two terms of eight years

Popular Sovereignty: Popular sovereignty is with the people because they have ultimate power to elect their political leaders

Equality of citizens: All citizens have equal opportunity to vote or to contest any elective posts in the system.

Difference between republicanism and monarchy

s/n Republicanism Monarchy

1. Head of state is the president The monarch (king, queen, emperor) is the head of state

2. He is popularly elected Ascension to the throne is hereditary

3. The president stays in office for a fixed term The monarch doesn’t have fixed term

4.. Leaders abide by the provisions of the constitution In absolute monarchy, the powers of the head of state are
absolute and doesn’t need to abide by the provisions of the
constitution

5. There is popular election in succession to different Succession to some political offices is through
political offices appointments
s/n Republicanism Monarchy

6. It is democratic and there is respect for rule of law It is not democratic and there is no respect for applying
the principles of rule of law