FACULTY OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCE & POLICY STUDIES

AM110 – DIPLOMA IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

PAD240 - GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

TOPICS: MONARCHY IS ONE FORM OF GOVERNMENT THAT ABLE TO

SURVIVE UNTIL TODAY. DESCRIBE ABSOLUTE MONARCHY AND GIVE
RELEVANT EXAMPLES.

NAMAF4A

PREPARED FOR: PN. NUR ZULAIKHA BINTI ZAINAL

PREPARED BY:

2022365061 NORHANANI BT SHAIF

2022158821 NADIAH BT ABDUL JALIL
2022547931 ROSLINDA BT ABDUL MAJID
2022374257 MUHAMAD BIN AZHAR

DATE OF SUBMISSION:
14/1/2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................1
WHAT IS MONARCHY.......................................................................................................1
ABSOLUTE MONARCHY.....................................................................................................2
RELEVENT EXAMPLE OF ABSOLUTE MONARCHY..................................................3
ABSOLUTE MONARCHY – SAUDI ARABIA..................................................................3
ABSOLUTE MONARCHY – BRUNEI................................................................................5
ABSOLUTE MONARCHY – UNITED ARAB EMIRATES...............................................7
ADVANTAGES OF ABSOLUTE MONARCHY.................................................................9
DISADVANTAGES OF ABSOLUTE MONARCHY..........................................................9
CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES.......................................................................................................................11
INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS MONARCHY

A monarchy is a form of government in which the head of state is a single person, the
monarch, for life or until their abdication. A monarchy is a form of government that is based
on the indivisible sovereignty or law of a single person. The word monarchy comes from the
Greek "monarkhia," which means "one or one's law." The term refers to states in which the
monarch, a single ruler who holds the position of head of state and is inherited, has absolute
power. Most monarchies only allow male succession, typically from father to son. Thus, a
monarchy is a form of government where the head of state, or monarch, is an individual ruler
with absolute power. Typically, it serves as both a social group for nobility and a political
administrative organization known as court society. Throughout a society's history, there are
specific events and transformations that contribute to the development of monarchy. Given
that warfare was the primary means of gaining access to productive land and trade routes,
some of the most notable monarchs of ancient times first established themselves as warrior-
leaders.

Furthermore, there are two different kinds of monarchies: absolute and constitutional.
From a purely symbolic crowned republic to a limited constitutional monarchy, an absolute
monarchy to a fully autocratic monarchy, the monarch's political legitimacy and authority
may vary and may extend throughout the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of
government. A monarchy can function as a government through unity, personal union,
vassalage, or federation. Monarchs may go by various titles, including king, queen, emperor,
Raja, khan, caliph, tsar, sultan, or shah. Elective and self-proclaimed monarchies are possible,
but most monarchies are hereditary, occasionally leading to dynastic periods. Although not
inherent to monarchies, aristocrats often serve as the pool of citizens from which the monarch
is chosen and as members of the institutions that make up the monarchy, such as the diet and
court, lending many monarchies their oligarchical characteristics. Until the twentieth century,
monarchies were the most traditional form of government. There are currently 45 sovereign
nations in the world, sixteen of which are part of the Commonwealth, that have kings. Other
than that, there are a number of sub-national monarchies. Current most monarchies are

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constitutional ones, with the monarch maintaining a unique ceremonial and legal role as
defined by the constitution while wielding minimal or no political authority such as heads
of state in a parliamentary republic.

ABSOLUTE MONARCHY

Absolute monarchy refers to a form of government in which all political power is held
by a single supreme ruler. The absolute monarchy is extremely autocratic. Absolute
monarchy, also known as absolutism or doctrine, is a type of monarchy in which the monarch
retains supreme autocratic power that is not primarily limited by written legislation,
legislatures, or customs. There are inherited monarchies as well. Absolute monarchies were
common until the end of the 18th century and throughout medieval Europe. It included a
tyrant king or queen ruling over society. The king was completely under the control of all
aspects of culture, including political influence, finance, and all forms of authority. With the
addition of feudalism, which included placing people in different states of power, which
involved people being placed in different states of power, such as clergy, nobility and
peasants, the monarch was able to maintain absolute control over society, allowed the king to
maintain total control over society at the time by claiming to be the highest and most
powerful authority in the state because he ruled over every aspect of the nation. The best way
to describe an absolute monarchy is to quote Louis XIV of France when he proclaimed, "I am
the state." Louis XIV, who ruled France as a monarch from 1661 to 1715, claimed to have
total authority over society at the time by asserting that he oversaw every aspect of the
country and was thus the highest and most powerful authority.

Absolute monarchies generally had two main features: kings' divine right and
hereditary rules. Under hereditary rule, the monarchy was bestowed upon them by virtue of
their birth and as a descendant of a long line of monarchs. Absolute monarchs in medieval
Europe who believed that their power came from God also practiced the concept of the divine
right of kings. According to the doctrine of kings' divine right, God gave them their authority.
This perspective that humans are punished by God for their sinfulness can even be explained
by tyrannical rule. The idea that the head of the Roman Catholic Church has been given
spiritual authority while the political ruler has been granted temporal power is the origin of
the divine-right theory. The divine-right theory has its roots in the medieval idea that God

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bestowed spiritual authority on the head of the Roman Catholic Church but bestowed
temporal power on the political ruler.

The desire of absolute monarchs to maintain their form of government has been
greatly influenced by liberalism and its ideals of freedom. Most notable philosophers of the
Enlightenment questioned the monarchs' established power and right to rule, and they
initiated a reform movement that would eventually bring about capitalism and democracy
throughout the majority of the Western world. Only a few countries still have absolute
monarchies, though a few examples remain, including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia,
and Brunei.

RELEVENT EXAMPLE OF ABSOLUTE MONARCHY

ABSOLUTE MONARCHY – SAUDI ARABIA

Abd al-Aziz Ibn Abd Rahman al-Saud founded modern Saudi Arabia in 1932
following a nearly 30-year campaign to unite the majority of the Arabian Peninsula. The
Saudi monarchy, which is still essentially an absolute monarchy, is headed by one of the male
descendants of Ibn Saud, according to the Basic Law of 1992. King Salman Ibn Abd al-Aziz
Saud has served as the head of state since January 2015.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy structured around Islamic

principles, with the King serving as both the head of state and the head of government. A
Crown Prince is chosen by the King to assist him in his duties. Second in line for the throne is
the Crown Prince. The Council of Ministers, sometimes known as the Cabinet, assists the
King in governing. The Cabinet is composed of 22 government departments. Every ministry
has a distinct area of expertise within the government, such as finance, education, and foreign
affairs.

The country's constitution, which is based on Islamic law, is found in the Qur'an. The
foundation of Saudi Arabia's fundamental political structure has been Shari'ah (Islamic law),
which dates back to the 18th century and was established by the late King Abdulaziz bin

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Abdelrahman Al-Saud on September 23, 1932. The relationship between the government and
its people is also described, along with the nature of the state, its objectives, and its duties.

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a total significance. The Basic Law of Saudi Arabia,
passed by Royal Decree in 1992, states that the king must abide by Sharia, also known as
Islamic Law, and the Quran. The Quran and Sunnah, or Muhammad's customs, are regarded
as the nation's constitution. Furthermore, national elections and political parties are
prohibited. Critics see it as an authoritarian dictatorship.

Moreover, royal decrees serve as a core component of national legislation, and the
king combines administrative, judicial, and legislative responsibilities. The first and second
deputy prime ministers, along with other ministers, are members of the ministerial council
(Majlis al-Wuzarā'), which is supervised over by the king, who also serves as prime minister.
The Consultative Council (Majlis Al-Shura), a legislative body, also provides advice to the
King. The Council revises current laws and makes proposals for new ones. The King appoints
its 150 members, who serve four-year terms that are renewable. Saudi Arabia has an Islamic
legal system, based on Shari'ah, because it is an Islamic state. The legal hierarchy is headed
by the King. He can pardon people and serves as the final court of appeals. In the Kingdom,
courts also exist. The Shari'ah Courts, which preside over the majority of cases in the Saudi
legal system, are the biggest.

Determining the new King and Crown Prince is the responsibility of the Allegiance
Council. The majlis, a customary tribal assembly, is where all citizens are entitled to meet,
attend, and petition the king directly. There are two main arenas for politics in Saudi Arabia;
the Al Saud royal family and the royal family and the rest of Saudi society. The royal family
consults with tribal sheikhs, influential business families, and the ulema on significant
decisions. This is the only way that a relatively small portion of the population participates in
the political process outside of Al-Saud. This operation goes unreported by the Saudi press.

Saudi Arabia's first king, Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud, ruled for 21 years. After his father's
death in 1953, Saud of Saudi Arabia succeeded as King of Saudi Arabia until 1964, after an
intense rivalry. He was deposed in favor of his half-brother Faisal of Saudi Arabia, which
was fueled by royal family doubts about Saud's competence. In 1975, his nephew, Prince
Faisal bin Musaid, assassinated Faisal and his half-brother, King Khalid. King Khalid passed

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away in June 1982 due to a heart attack. After intense pressure from fundamentalists to stop
associating "majesty" with anything other than God, his brother, King Fahd, succeeded him
in 1986 and added the title "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques" to his name.

On the other hand, Fahd has strengthened his ties with the US and increased the
amount of military equipment he purchases from the US and the UK. King Fahd responded to
civil unrest by introducing a number of restricted "reforms". In March 1992, he presented the
"Fundamental Law," which emphasized the responsibilities and duties of a monarch. In
December 1993, the Consultative Council was established.

After King Fahd's death in 2005, Abdullah took over and continued the minimum
reform strategy while putting a stop to protests. The King conducted a number of economic
reforms, including limited deregulation, encouraging foreign investment, and privatization,
with the goal of lessening the nation's reliance on oil revenue. In 2015, Salman, Abdullah's
half-brother, succeeded him as king.

ABSOLUTE MONARCHY – BRUNEI

Absolute monarchy was the form of government in place in Brunei. It is located on

Southeast Asia's Borneo island's northern shore. Sarawak, a state in Malaysia, is included in
it. Brunei achieved its independence from British rule on January 1, 1984. As a a nation
where the majority of its citizens follow Islam. Sharia law and English common law make up
Brunei's overall legal system. The Sultan of Brunei, His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan
Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, is in charge of the state and government of
the country. Since 1962, the head of state of Brunei has had complete executive authority,
including the power to declare emergencies.

In July 1953, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III gathered a seven-member panel known
as Tujuh Serangkai to ascertain the opinions of the residents regarding a written constitution
for Brunei. The Sultan, Resident, and High Commissioner met in May 1954 to discuss the
findings of the board of trustees. They agreed to support the constitution's drafting. Sultan
Omar Ali Saifuddien III made an appointment to discuss the proposed Constitution in
London in March 1959. The Secretary of State for the Colonies, Sir Alan Lennox-Boyd, was

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the driving force behind the British appointment. The draft constitution was later
acknowledged by the British government.

The Constitution Agreement was sign in Brunei Town on September 29, 1959. Both
Sir Robert Scott, the Commissioner-General for Southeast Asia, and Sultan Omar Ali
Saifuddien III approved of the understanding. It included the following arrangements: The
Sultan took over the role of the supreme head of state. Brunei was responsible for the internal
structure of its organization. When it came to new and guard endeavors, the British
Government was responsible for it. A British High Commissioner took the position of
Resident after it was abolished. The Council of Succession, the Executive Council, the
Legislative Council of Brunei, the Privy Council, and the State Religious Council were the
five chambers that were established.

The public authority exercises the chief's power. Under the 1959 Constitution, His
Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah
exercises supreme force and full leader authority. The Sultan is encouraged and directed by
five gatherings that he names. The Privy Council, Council of Succession, Religious Council,
Council of Ministers, and Legislative Council are the five committees. His Majesty Paduka
Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah is the head of state with
full chief power under Brunei's 1959 constitution. Since 1962, this authority has included
crisis powers, which are periodically restored. Brunei has been under military rule since the
1962 Brunei revolt. Hassanal Bolkiah is also the state's Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and
Defense Minister. The Royal family is held in high regard in Brunei.

The authoritative committee is made up of 20 delegated individuals and only has

consultative powers. The 1959 constitution established a chosen Legislative Council (Malay:
Majlis Mesyuarat Negera), but only one political election was ever held, in 1962. Not long
after that political decision, the gathering was disbanded due to the confirmation of a highly
sensitive situation, which resulted in the prohibition of the Brunei People's Party. By Sultan
declaration in 1970, the Council was transformed into a designated body. In 2004, the Sultan
announced that 15 of the 20 seats in the next parliament would be chosen.

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 In addition, his Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah has become a global headline for his implementation of sharia laws,
including the battering to death of individuals suspected of being gay or having committed
infidelity, in the country he has ruled as an absolute monarchy for a long time. This
demonstrates that His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah is the sole ruler of Brunei.

ABSOLUTE MONARCHY – UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was officially established on December 2,

1971, marking the end of British influence in the region. The formation of the UAE resulted
from the unification of seven emirates, each governed by its own monarch. These emirates
are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain.
The UAE operates as a federal absolute monarchy, with each emirate having its own
ruler. At the national level, the Supreme Council of Rulers governs the country. This council
is composed of the rulers of each emirate, and they collectively choose the President and Vice
President of the UAE from among themselves.

From the inception of the UAE until his passing on November 2, 2004, Sheikh
Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan served as the nation's president. Following his death, Sheikh
Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan assumed the role of the President of the UAE. The Vice
Presidents are Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed
Al Nahyan. In practice, the ruler of Abu Dhabi typically serves as the president, while the
ruler of Dubai holds the positions of vice president and prime minister.This unique political
structure reflects the federal nature of the UAE, where each emirate retains a significant
degree of autonomy while collaborating on matters of national importance through the
Supreme Council of Rulers.

The Federal Supreme Council (FSC) is the highest constitutional authority in the
United Arab Emirates (UAE), consisting of the rulers of the seven emirates. This council
plays a pivotal role in the governance of the country by undertaking key functions such as
selecting the President and Vice President of the UAE, formulating general policies, making
significant decisions on defense and security, maintaining unity among emirates, proposing

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constitutional amendments, and contributing to national development. The FSC operates as a
collaborative body, requiring consensus on important matters to ensure the representation and
coordination of interests from all member emirates. (Federal Supreme Council n.d.).
https://uaecabinet.ae/en/federal-supreme-council

The cultural and heritage richness of the UAE is deeply rooted in traditional Arab
and Islamic values, influenced by the local environment and terrain. The country boasts a
wealth of heritage, encompassing architecture, sports, professions, customs, artistic
expressions, culinary traditions, historical and archaeological sites, and a lifestyle shaped by
the values ingrained in Islam. (The Life in the UAE. n.d.). https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/the-
uae/the-life

In terms of legal and social frameworks, the UAE maintains strict laws to uphold
law and order. These laws cover various aspects, including sharia law, narcotics, criminal
activities, immigration, business practices, morality, security, anti-terrorism, and traffic
regulations. Serious penalties can be imposed for violations such as possession of narcotics,
criminal acts, and offenses related to national security. Both citizens and visitors in the UAE
are strongly advised to comply with local regulations to avoid significant sanctions. (Rule of
law and human rights: The official portal of the UAE government. Rule of law and human
rights | The Official Portal of the UAE Government. (n.d.).
https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/human-rights-in-the-uae/rule-of-law-and-human-rights

The political system in the UAE operates without officially recognized political
parties. Supreme executive power is vested in the Supreme Council of Rulers, comprised of
the rulers of the emirates. The Federal National Council (FNC) serves as the legislative body,
functioning in a consultative capacity with half of its members elected and the remaining half
appointed. While political pluralism is absent, the government has implemented mechanisms
for community participation. Political stability is a priority to achieve the overarching goals
of economic and social development in the UAE. (The government of the United Arab
Emirates. Expatica United Arab Emirates. (2024, January 4).
https://www.expatica.com/ae/living/gov-law-admin/the-government-and-political-system-in-
the-uae-71501/

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ADVANTAGES OF ABSOLUTE MONARCHY

One of the advantages of absolute monarchy is that decisions can be made more
quickly. The king has power over both his subjects and other people. When making
decisions, they don't listen to advisors. Indeed, they will have people that help them out
ultimately, but in the end, it is up to them. This kind of state is preferred by some people
because they believe it could lessen arguments about what is right and wrong. Decisions are
made quickly under this style of leadership and do not take years to complete. Too many of
us participating in the decision-making process prevents progress because there will
inevitably be arguments about terms. The people sought solutions to issues, and occasionally,
having an absolute monarch make these decisions allowed for a quicker resolution of all the
issues that needed to be resolved.

In addition, the advantages of absolute monarchy are that it makes it easier to make
rules. In an absolute monarchy, the decision-making authority rests with just one person.
When laws need to be made to help the people, an absolute ruler may order this one to be
made. Essentially, this would increase their gratitude for having their needs met as quickly as
possible. It also makes preparation and reaching long-term goals possible. A monarch rules
for a lifetime. They make arrangements out of necessity in the long term. This can also be
advantageous to the state because it won't be automatically abandoned, unlike in the event
that a new administration decides not to support the initiative because it doesn't align with
their goals.

DISADVANTAGES OF ABSOLUTE MONARCHY

The absolute monarchy system also has its disadvantages in its system of government
which is minors may be required to serve as heads of state by monarchies. Due to the
monarchy's use of family lineage to determine the heir, there are various occasions in history
in which children have been placed in this role. This downside also existed in the modern
period as well. When the last Chinese emperor came to power prior to the Communist
takeover, he was only two years old. King Pomare III was installed in that role by Tahiti at
the age of just 17 months. There are also younger examples, like Swaziland's King Sobhuza

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II, who ascended to the throne at the age of four months. His reign would last for eighty-two
years. Even England, whose King Henry VI was crowned at the age of eight months. Regents
are needed to support the government when kids this age become kings. In most cases, the
people of a country have no say in who is elected to that position, making the line of
succession less effective than it should have been.

Other than that, it is difficult to limit the monarchy's powers. The government is
completely under the authority of the head of state. The elected government should endeavor
to consult with the sovereign to ensure that laws and regulations are in line with standards,
especially if this strategy is more formal than substantive. This guarantees that, should their
authority be deemed absolute, the person in charge can command nearly anything and turn it
into law. There isn't much that citizens can do if that monarch chooses to use violence or
oppression. Declaring war on other nations is part of this. Most kings hold their position of
authority until they pass away or choose to step down. Even though it cannot completely
eliminate this risk, moving toward a constitutional monarchy can lessen it. Five years after
his drafting, King Sobhyza II would veto the constitution. Due to the lack of effective checks
and balances in this system, monarchs may also declare war on other nations at will.

Besides that, There is less diversity in the government under a monarchy.When

various ideas, opinions, and perspectives come together to form a direction that promotes
change, countries become more powerful. When a country decides to use monarchy as its
form of government, such components reside in a single person or family. That point of view
becomes the driving force behind the national momentum. Because sovereigns are raised
with this governing structure, the only control they have comes from those in charge of their
education. This handicap eliminates diversity because it promotes a closed mind.

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CONCLUSION

In conclusion, absolute monarchy has advantages as well as disadvantages. Positively,

since there are no checks and balances on the ruler's power, it can provide stability and
efficiency in decision-making. However, the system is often criticized for its potential for
abuse of power, lack of accountability, and disregard for the rights and freedoms of the
citizens. Over time, many societies have moved away from absolute monarchy in favor of
more democratic and participatory forms of government that seek to balance power and
protect individual rights. The evolution towards constitutional monarchies or republics
reflects a broader societal desire for governance structures that prioritize the rule of law,
representation, and the protection of human rights.

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