Understanding the differences between states with different systems of government is important in the study of political science. Two of the most common and significantly different forms of government are democratic and monarchical states. Although both have mechanisms of power, the sources of legitimacy and the way power is exercised are very different. This article will delve into the differences between democratic and monarchical states in various aspects.
One of the most fundamental differences between states lies in the source of power. In a democratic system, supreme power rests with the people and is exercised by representatives elected through free and fair general elections. The General Election Commission (KPU) of the Republic of Indonesia, for example, held simultaneous general elections on February 14, 2024, to elect the president and legislative members. This process shows how the legitimacy of power in a democratic state comes from the voice of the people. Meanwhile, in a monarchical system, power is inherited through the royal family. The king or queen holds the position of head of state by birthright, as happened in the United Kingdom when King Charles III ascended the throne on September 8, 2022, after inheriting it from his mother.
Another significant difference lies in the accountability and responsibility of rulers. In a democratic state, elected leaders are accountable to the people and can be replaced through elections or specific legal processes if they fail to perform their duties properly. The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Indonesia, on July 20, 2023, ruled on a dispute over the election results, demonstrating the existence of a mechanism for the accountability of power. In contrast, in a traditional monarchical system, the king or queen is often considered not directly accountable to the people. Their power is considered to come from God or tradition, although in modern constitutional monarchies, the power of the king or queen is limited by the constitution and a parliament elected by the people.
In terms of the rights and freedoms of citizens, there are also striking differences between states. Democratic states guarantee various fundamental rights and freedoms to their citizens, such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of assembly. Non-governmental organizations such as Amnesty International actively monitor and report on human rights violations in various democratic and non-democratic countries. On the other hand, in traditional monarchical systems, the rights and freedoms of citizens can vary greatly depending on the policies of the reigning king or queen. Although some modern monarchies also guarantee citizens’ rights through constitutions, the power of the monarch still has a significant influence.
The structure of government is also an important difference between states. Democratic states generally have a clear separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to prevent abuse of power. Parliament (legislative) has the function of making laws, the government (executive) implements laws, and the courts (judicial) enforce laws. Meanwhile, in monarchical systems, there is often a concentration of power in the hands of the king or queen, although in constitutional monarchies, the role of parliament is very significant in lawmaking and government oversight.
Understanding the differences between democratic and monarchical states helps us appreciate the various systems of government that exist in the world, with their respective advantages and disadvantages. The evolution of government systems continues to occur, and many countries adopt elements from both systems to create a model of government that suits their social and cultural context.