Explore limited monarchy. Learn the definition of limited monarchy and understand its development in different countries. See examples of limited monarchies.
Updated: 11/21/2023
Limited Monarchy Definition, Types & Examples
Table of Contents
- What is a Limited Monarchy?
- Development of Limited Monarchies
- Limited Monarchy Pros and Cons
- Types of Limited Monarchy
- Limited Monarchy Examples
- Lesson Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a monarchy and a limited monarchy?
A monarchy is a government with a nobleman or noblewoman as the head of state. A limited monarchy is a special type of monarchy where the political power of the monarch is limited.
How does a limited monarchy work?
A limited monarchy usually works by having the power of the monarch curtailed in some fashion by the people that he or she governs. Usually, the monarch is the head of state, not the head of the government.
What does limited monarchy mean?
A limited monarchy is a monarchy where the power of the monarch is limited by a constitution or other document. In other words, the monarch can not do whatever he wants.
What is an example of limited monarchy?
Sweden is an example of a limited monarchy. The head of government is an elected prime minister, but the Swedish king or queen is the symbolic head of state.
Table of Contents
- What is a Limited Monarchy?
- Development of Limited Monarchies
- Limited Monarchy Pros and Cons
- Types of Limited Monarchy
- Limited Monarchy Examples
- Lesson Summary
A monarchy is a government that is lead by a nobleman or noblewoman, usually one who inherits his or her position. Types of monarchs include: kings, queens, emperors, and empresses. Traditionally, most monarchs have had no checks on their power. This means that they could do whatever they wanted without opposition. These types of monarchs were called absolute monarchs.
However, people grew dissatisfied with absolute monarchs and found ways to check their powers. This is when limited monarchies came into being. Limited monarchies are monarchies where the power of the monarch is limited in some way, usually by a constitution or similar document. A monarchy which has its power limited by a constitution is called a constitutional monarchy.
Most of the monarchies that exist in the world today are limited monarchies. The UK, for example, is a limited monarchy.
 |
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
You must cCreate an account to continue watching
Register to view this lesson
Are you a student or a teacher?
Create Your Account To Continue Watching
As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you succeed.
Get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons.
Try it now
It only takes a few minutes to setup and you can cancel any time.
Already registered? Log in here for access
BackResources created by teachers for teachers
Over 30,000 video lessons
& teaching resources‐all
in one place.
I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. It’s like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. I feel like it’s a lifeline.
Jennifer B.
Teacher
Back
Your next lesson will play in
10 seconds
England
Europe was once controlled by many powerful absolute monarchs. One of the first challenges to the power of absolute monarchy occurred in England during the 13th century. A number of English lords became fed up with how King John was abusing his power, so in 1215, they forced him to sign a document known as the Magna Carta. This document limited the king's powers and defined which rights the people of England had. The Magna Carta was one of the most important documents in history and had a profound effect on the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Despite the existence of the Magna Carta, the power of the English monarch remained relatively strong until the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the ascension of King William and Queen Mary to the throne. The English Bill of Rights further limited the monarch's power. From this year onward, the power of the English monarch continued to wane gradually. Today, the king or queen of England has only ceremonial powers.
France
The power of the French monarchy never faced any real challenges until the French Revolution of 1789. As a result, the monarchy was overthrown and the king was executed. The monarchy was restored twice during the 19th century, but was permanently abolished after the abdication of Napoleon III in 1870. Today, France is a republic.
Japan
The power of the Japanese emperor has long been curtailed by the Samurai ruling class. However, up until World War II, the emperor of Japan still had an enormous amount of cultural, social, and political power that he regularly exercised. After the American occupation in 1945, the US government forced a new constitution on Japan. This constitution relegated the role of the emperor to a strictly ceremonial one.
Most of the other monarchies in the world today have similar stories of a gradual or abrupt reduction in the powers and roles of their monarchies. There are only a few absolute monarchies left in the world today. One of these is Brunei.
 |
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
Register to view this lesson
Are you a student or a teacher?
Unlock Your Education
See for yourself why 30 million people use Study.com
Become a Study.com member and start learning now.
Become a MemberAlready a member? Log In
BackResources created by teachers for teachers
Over 30,000 video lessons
& teaching resources‐all
in one place.
I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. It’s like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. I feel like it’s a lifeline.
Jennifer B.
Teacher
Back
Limited Monarchy Definition, Types & Examples
Related Study Materials
Explore our library of over 88,000 lessons
Browse by subject