constitutional monarchy

American  

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

noun

1. limited monarchy.

---

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

---

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.

---

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

Malaysia King Abdul Halim Constitutional monarchy The king's role is largely ceremonial, although he is nominal head of the armed forces and all laws and the appointment of every cabinet minister require his assent.

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

Jordan King Abdullah II Constitutional monarchy King Abdullah II, Jordan's monarch since 1999, has extensive powers: he appoints governments, approves legislation and is able to dissolve parliament.

From BBC • May 18, 2012

Belgium King Albert II Constitutional monarchy Belgium is a Federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy.

From BBC • May 18, 2012

In 1791 the experiment of Constitutional monarchy in France was brought to an abrupt end by the action of the king and queen, working in concert with their aristocratic and monarchist friends abroad.

From A Short History of the World by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)