constitutional monarchy

American  

[kon-sti-too-shuh-nl mon-er-kee, -tyoo-] / ˈkɒn stɪˌtu ʃə nl ˈmɒn ər ki, -ˌtyu- /

noun

1. limited monarchy.

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constitutional monarchy British  

noun

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

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constitutional monarchy Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

• constitutional monarch
  noun

Etymology

Origin of constitutional monarchy

First recorded in 1795–1805

Compare meaning

How does constitutional-monarchy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• absolute monarchy vs. constitutional monarchy

Example Sentences

Bahrain King Hamad ibn Isa Constitutional monarchy King Hamad has been in power since 1999.

From BBC • May 18, 2012

Sweden King Carl XVI Gustaf Constitutional monarchy According to the Swedish constitution, the king's role as head of state is the country's foremost representative and symbol.

From BBC • May 18, 2012

Norway King Harald V Constitutional monarchy King Harald succeeded to the throne of Norway upon the death of his father Olaf V on 17 January 1991.

From BBC • May 18, 2012

Liechtenstein Prince Hans-Adam II Constitutional monarchy Prince Hans-Adam is the titular head of state while his son Crown Prince Alois was given day-to-day running of the principality in 2004.

From BBC • May 18, 2012

Constitutional monarchy was as hostile to reform in France as it was friendly in England.

From Liberty In The Nineteenth Century by Holland, Frederic May