Why is there a king in some countries and not in others?
Different countries are governed by different systems. The form of government in which a king or a queen is the head of the state is known as monarchy. In monarchies too, there is usually a democratically elected government; the king or the queen has limited powers. A dictatorship is defined as a form of government in which the country is ruled by an individual, the dictator. Dictators often come to power with the help of the military and do not allow any division of their powers. However, forms of government can also change.
What does "democracy" mean?
In a democracy decisions are taken by simple majority votes. Like in a school or a family, if people do not agree on a certain issue, a decision is often taken by majority votes. Citizens of a country can also elect their representatives in this way. In absolute monarchies election of the monarch is hereditary, and generally no voting is done. In dictatorship, the ruler gains power by force or military help. The citizens usually do not dare to oppose their leader.
In a democracy decisions are taken by simple majority votes. Like in a school or a family, if people do not agree on a certain issue, a decision is often taken by majority votes. Citizens of a country can also elect their representatives in this way. In absolute monarchies election of the monarch is hereditary, and generally no voting is done. In dictatorship, the ruler gains power by force or military help. The citizens usually do not dare to oppose their leader.
What is the job of a monarch?
Earlier, the monarchs were the undisputed rulers of a country, but today their role is mostly that of cultural representatives. They represent the country on state visits and are an image of national unity, pride, and identity. They also sign the laws passed by the parliament. Often the monarchs work for a good cause or request donations for a certain charity. Usually, they have no real power to influence political decision-making. Only in a few countries like Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Swaziland, and Jordan does the king have full executive powers.
Earlier, the monarchs were the undisputed rulers of a country, but today their role is mostly that of cultural representatives. They represent the country on state visits and are an image of national unity, pride, and identity. They also sign the laws passed by the parliament. Often the monarchs work for a good cause or request donations for a certain charity. Usually, they have no real power to influence political decision-making. Only in a few countries like Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Swaziland, and Jordan does the king have full executive powers.
How do the forms of government change?
Over the course of history, the forms of government have changed frequently through wars. At the end of a war, the conqueror decided about the form of the government for the conquered country. Most of the dictators also came to power through wars or revolutions, often with the help of the military. One example of the transition from one form of government to another is the one that took place in Poland. Revolutions can also lead to a change in the form of government. The most well known is the French revolution of 1789, when the people overthrew the king by use of force. Monarchies can also change in a peaceful way, if there are no royal heirs to the throne.
Over the course of history, the forms of government have changed frequently through wars. At the end of a war, the conqueror decided about the form of the government for the conquered country. Most of the dictators also came to power through wars or revolutions, often with the help of the military. One example of the transition from one form of government to another is the one that took place in Poland. Revolutions can also lead to a change in the form of government. The most well known is the French revolution of 1789, when the people overthrew the king by use of force. Monarchies can also change in a peaceful way, if there are no royal heirs to the throne.
What is a dictator?
The word 'dictator' is derived from Latin and means "the one who commands'. Dictators are not elected by the people but they seize power with the help of the military. A dictator can force the citizens to act according to his will. Unlike democracy, citizens have very little say in running the affairs of the country. One of the well-known dictators was Adolf Hitler. He ruled from 1933 to 1945 as the German Chancellor and was responsible for the execution of millions of people. Even today there are dictators in countries like Belarus, North Korea, or Myanmar.
The word 'dictator' is derived from Latin and means "the one who commands'. Dictators are not elected by the people but they seize power with the help of the military. A dictator can force the citizens to act according to his will. Unlike democracy, citizens have very little say in running the affairs of the country. One of the well-known dictators was Adolf Hitler. He ruled from 1933 to 1945 as the German Chancellor and was responsible for the execution of millions of people. Even today there are dictators in countries like Belarus, North Korea, or Myanmar.
What does "Division of Power" mean?
Division of power means that the power of the state does not lie with an individual or institution, as in the case of dictatorship, but It is divided into three distinct branches: the legislature (parliament), the executive (government with ministers and the police), and the judiciary (courts). In this way, no single person can take decisions about the country.
