What is a constitutional monarchy?

A constitutional monarchy is characterized by a government system in which the monarch's powers are constrained by a constitution or laws. This means that while a monarch may serve as the head of state, their role is largely ceremonial or symbolic, and actual governance is carried out according to established laws that apply to both the government and the monarch. In such a system, the monarch's authority is not absolute; instead, there are defined limits on their powers, typically established in a written constitution or through legal frameworks.

In many constitutional monarchies, there is also a parliamentary system where elected officials represent the populace and play a significant role in legislative processes. This structure often allows for a balance of power, ensuring that the government operates with the consent of the governed, while still retaining a traditional figure like a monarch that can serve as a unifying element in the state. Such systems are effective in combining historical traditions with modern democratic principles.