8 Pros and Cons of Absolute Monarchy

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Pros and Cons of Absolute Monarchy

We have read stories of evil kings and benevolent emperors. We have heard the horrifying tales of massacres caused by some merciless monarch and we have learned that wise and kind monarchs have ushered in eras of prosperity, equality and the rule of law.

The world has many examples of how absolute monarchy can be a godsend and how it can be the end of the world as we know it. Considering the contentiousness of the issue and conflicting revelations in history, here is an objective assessment of absolute monarchy pros and cons.

List of Pros of Absolute Monarchy

1. Absolute monarchy can ensure efficiency in governance.
There may be no deadlocks in any facet of life if the monarch chooses so. Although there will be a bureaucracy of some sort to aid the administration, it would be answerable to the monarch so if the king or queen chooses, he or she can easily sack the corrupt, inefficient or disinterested people. The entire government machinery can become super efficient and people will have no troubles in any facet, be it law or civil administration, security or justice among others.

2. Speeding things up can lead to a more prosperous nation.
The country’s citizens will be more efficient. Productivity will increase and quicker decisions will get rid of the red tapes and procrastination that are very common today. Absolute monarchy can also allow better utility and exploration of natural resources, capitalizing the strengths of the country and emerging as a stable economy ensuring prosperity for all.

3. Absolute monarchy makes lawmaking easier, simpler and the enforcement of such laws or delivering justice also becomes more sure-fire.
Absolute monarchy can also pave the way for impeccable security. Defense spending is usually high, the army is stronger and the country is relatively safer.

4. Removes the difficulties existing in democracy.
Absolute monarchy does away with the perils of democracy as has often been cited as the shortcomings of majoritarianism.

List of Cons of Absolute Monarchy

1. Absolute monarchy often leads to grave injustice.
Equality is not a given because those in the echelons of power or close to the royal family get favors. Low class citizens are often treated poorly and may be kept out of the larger scheme of things that ensures better livelihoods.

2. Lacks the binding factor associated with humanism.
A country may become a religious state, a welfare state or a state based on language, race, ethnicity or other factors. Humanism may not be the binding factor.

3. If the king or queen is not up for the challenges, then the country can descend into chaos.
Poor decision making may lead to a crippled economy. Absolute monarchy can incite rebellion and almost threaten the very existence of the country and its people.

4. Absolute monarchy can lead to grave injustices, poor laws and wars.
The will of the people don’t really matter although the king and queen may appear to act on behalf of the citizens.