What does monarchism mean?
Monarchism is the belief in or advocacy of monarchy, a system of government headed by a monarch, usually a king or queen. The term can refer to a general political principle, such as the preservation of hereditary or constitutional kingship, or to a movement seeking to establish, defend, or restore a monarchy. Monarchists commonly support the continuity of the monarchy while differing over its powers and constitutional limits. The word is especially associated with political history, movements for national unification, and debates about the balance between traditional authority and popular government. It is more specific and more analytical than simply calling someone a royalist, although the two terms can overlap. In modern usage, monarchism is often discussed in relation to republicanism, the opposing principle that sovereignty should rest with the people and be exercised through representatives rather than a monarch.
nounMonarchism is the principle, belief, or political movement supporting the establishment or preservation of a monarchy as the form of government.
- Support for monarchy as a political system, especially the belief that a monarch should hold the position of head of state.
"The movement sought to preserve the monarchy while limiting the sovereign's power."
"Monarchism remained influential in parts of Europe during the nineteenth century."
"The historian examined how monarchism adapted to changing demands for political representation."
The plural is grammatical but uncommon; monarchism is usually treated as an uncountable noun naming a political principle or movement.
"Historians compared the monarchisms of different European kingdoms."
Monarchism can mean both a defense of royal continuity and a campaign to restore a fallen throne.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monarchism come from?
Monarchism derives from monarch, which comes through Old French monarque from the Greek monarchos, meaning ruler or sovereign. The suffix -ism forms a noun denoting a political principle or adherence to a system, so monarchism literally refers to adherence to monarchic government. The related political contrast is republicanism, whose terminology comes from Latin res publica, or public affair.
Related word forms
How monarchism is actually used
The term is most common in political and historical writing. It is generally more precise than a simple reference to royalism because it denotes support for the principle of monarchy, whereas royalism may also mean personal loyalty to a particular monarch or dynasty.
Easily confused with monarchism
Monarchism is support for monarchy as a political principle or movement, whereas a monarchy is the system of government or the state headed by a monarch.