Dwilight University/Political Studies/Analysis of Monarchies and Republics

An Analysis of Monarchies and Republics

This essay analyses the benefits of monarchies and republics and aims to provide a balanced point of view, showing that both systems of government are viable and equally worthy.

Definitions

A monarchy is defined as a state that is headed by a sole sovereign, who holds absolute power and authority over the rest of the realm. The monarch is the be-all and end-all of a realm; decisions made by him override all other decisions.

A republic is a state governed by a body that is elected by a group of people, usually the higher nobility of the realm. This governing body can take the form of a congress, senate, council or any other name, and the head of this council is usually also democratically elected. Periodic elections are held to reaffirm the government’s mandate or to elect a new set of leaders.

Benefits of a monarchy

Stability

A monarch rules for life, helping ensure stability in his realm. With infrequent changes of government, there are fewer opportunities for power vacuums or instability to arise. A strong monarch with a firm grasp on power also ensures that powerful nobles in the feudal hierarchy, especially dukes, are kept in check. He also ensures their continued loyalty to the crown. The head of a republic may change much more often, giving the head of state less time to consolidate power which may in turn cause instability in a realm.

National identity

A monarch who commands respect and reverence in his subjects is the focal point for a strong sense of patriotism and loyalty to a realm. It is common knowledge that peasants of a particular region become happier and more contented when their monarch is present - a testament to the love that a good sovereign inspires from his subjects. A well-loved king can also inspire his nobles to do great feats, especially in times of war. One has only to look at the great realms of Dwilight for evidence: Vasilif Brance Indirik who presided over the exponential growth of Astrum, spawning two new theocracies, and Emperor Neel Arya of Springdale, who ruled over what may have been the largest and most powerful realm Dwilight has ever seen.

Decision-making

Without having to answer to any governing body, and supported only by his advisers, a sovereign can make decisions quickly. Such expedience is extremely useful in crises like war or rebellion, when quick actions can decide the fate of a realm. Hence the absolute authority invested in a monarch, when wielded capably and judiciously, can enable a realm to respond to threats efficiently.

Benefits of a republic

The benefits of a republic often overlap with the disadvantages of a monarchy and therefore shall be jointly discussed below:

Freedom to dispose of unworthy rulers

The periodic elections in a republic give the nobility the power to remove a government if it is deemed unfit to rule. This system of selection weeds out unworthy rulers and installs capable leaders in their place. In a monarchy, once chosen, a sovereign cannot be easily removed from power. Hence, should a corrupt sovereign be chosen, the nobility is then faced with two choices: to suffer under unjust rule or rebel and overthrow the government completely. Republics, however, give nobles the power to change the government without taking such drastic actions.

Equal opportunities

In an ideal republic, any noble who is capable enough stands a fair chance of being elected into power, no matter his background or connections. Compared to monarchies, where lordships and governments are chosen by feudal superiors, this gives nobles more chances to ascend the ranks, especially young aristocrats who may lack the connections necessary to gain favour in a monarchy.

National identity

This is a contentious point, but the author feels that it is an important one nonetheless. Democratically electing one’s leaders can be the base for a strong national identity and sense of patriotism. In such cases, nobles and peasants feel that their loyalty lies with the process of democracy in their realms and the freedom to choose their leaders. One example I would like to raise is of one of the greatest realms, militarily and economically, in this world – Fontan of the East Continent. The nobles of Fontan took great pride in their realm’s democratic process, defending it fiercely from foreign threats, contributing to the creation of a military juggernaut that spanned eight duchies, with more than two hundred active nobles, at the height of its power.

Conclusion

This essay is far from comprehensive – I recognize that I have omitted many other points in favour of monarchies and republics, simply because there are too many arguments to be considered. Ultimately, I put forth the point that the success of a monarchy or republic depends largely on what type of leader is elected, and whether nobles choose their rulers wisely. Just as a despotic ruler can bring down a monarchy, apathetic nobles of a republic who do not vote judiciously may bring about the downfall of their realm. The quality of a government matters far more than what type of government it is.