constitutional monarchy

[kon-sti-too-shuh-nl mon-er-kee, -tyoo-]

noun

1. limited monarchy.

constitutional monarchy

noun

1. Also called: limited monarchy. a monarchy governed according to a constitution that limits and defines the powers of the sovereign

constitutional monarchy

1. A form of national government in which the power of the monarch (the king or queen) is restrained by a parliament, by law, or by custom. Several nations, especially in modern times, have passed from absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, including Belgium, Britain, Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.

Other Word Forms

• constitutional monarch noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of constitutional monarchy¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

In a statement read to crowds, the group said the executive branch and parliament were not working "in the interest of democracy and constitutional monarchy".

From BBC

Carney has praised the "historic ties" that make up Canada's independent identity, including the "vitality of our constitutional monarchy", which he said "crises only fortify".

From BBC

Ms Harris noted that Canada remained a constitutional monarchy throughout these periods.

From BBC

Thus, by 1776 the constitutional monarchy of King George III, the monarchy Americans deemed so tyrannical that they rebelled against it, was not democratic because its royal head was selected by heredity rather than election, but it was already fully committed to the rule of law—the fundamental principle that the law is above even the king.

From Slate

Ahead of the visit letters between Buckingham Palace and the Australian Republic Movement were revealed, in which palace officials repeated that whether Australia became a republic or remained a constitutional monarchy was a choice for the Australian people.

From BBC