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Monarchy Vs. Autocracy: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Monarchy Vs. Autocracy: When To Use Each One In Writing?

When learning about different forms of government, you will encounter words like monarchy and autocracy. These leadership approaches have been adopted or existed in some nations and are quite controversial. Before you use these terms, take some time and read this monarchy vs autocracy post.

Monarchy is a form of administration where a monarch heads the state. Think of a monarch as a king or an emperor. On the other hand, autocracy means a form of government where the head leader has absolute power. Both words explain rule, power, and control.

Whether you are an upcoming historian, an English student, or a learner trying to add a few vocabularies to your list, these two words are pretty interesting. This article will focus on these words’ definitions, uses, and sentence examples. Keep it here and learn more than you expect.

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Definitions Of Monarchy And Autocracy

These two words are not very common in conversations today as they were during the last Century. The reason is: these two types of government have been abolished in many nations because of controversies.

Here are the various meanings you need to know about autocracy and monarchy.

Definitions Of Monarchy

The simplest definition of monarchy is a government system with a monarch as the head of state. That means only a single person rules. The monarch has supreme sovereignty.

Another close meaning is a state or nation known for its monarchical system of government.

You can also refer to monarchy as a form of government where power is heredity and with life tenure. Historically, most monarchical successions are hereditary; in most cases, only sons take over from their fathers.

Definitions Of Autocracy

Autocracy is a government system or doctrine characterized by absolute power. In this case, the head of government is a dictator or a monarch.

An excellent way to explain such a government is absolutism. The ruler does what they want and is not subject to approval or checks by any government organ or even members of the society.

This type of governance was prevalent in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, especially in Western Europe.

Fun fact on autocracy: At one point, King Louis XIV, a renowned France autocratic leader, once stated with authority that “I am the state.”

How To Properly Use Monarchy And Autocracy In A Sentence

In every context you decide to use either monarchy or autocracy, ensure you understand to do it right because a slight mistake might cost you. The sections below will let you know how to use these words correctly in written or verbal communication.

How And When To Use The Word Monarchy

Use this word as a noun. Nouns are naming words; in this case, monarchy describes a form of government. That makes it a proper noun. It can also be a common noun in general contexts.

So, when do you use the word monarchy? The definitions we have discussed earlier already highlight how to use this word. In a nutshell, here are instances when you should use monarchy.

When referring to the royal families:

For instance, the British government has a loyal family that exercises monarchy in its leadership. That means their sovereign head of state heads the government, and power is inherited across the loyal family.

The main difference with other monarchies that used to exist years ago (absolute monarchies) is that the British have a constitutional monarchy. That means an elected parliament highly checks it.

When explaining kingship and supremacy of power:

Kings are powerful leaders heading various jurisdictions. These jurisdictions are referred to as kingdoms or dominions. Kingdoms can be referred to as a monarchy if it’s an individual state and not a rank or office in a particular state.

In ancient times, kings took over the roles that monarchs exercise today. That doesn’t mean that there are no kings today. A country like Swaziland, currently renamed the Kingdom of Eswatini, has a king as their leader.

How And When To Use The Word Autocracy

The word autocracy is a noun, and you can use it when you want to mean tyranny, monarchy, dictatorship, despotism, or bigmanism.

This word in political science means autocratic leadership, popularly known as authoritarian governance. Use autocracy to mean full control of decision-making processes.

That’s where criticism isn’t allowed. And it’s not because people don’t want to criticize. There are no political or legal regulations in place.

In general contexts, especially daily conversations, you can refer to a person as an autocrat to mean that they are self-centered and don’t depend on anyone for ideas to execute certain tasks.

Are the words monarchy and autocracy synonymous?

The answer is yes, but with some restrictions. You cannot use these words interchangeably in all circumstances. They are only synonyms when referring to forms of government. When it comes to applications, autocracy goes with absolute power, while monarchy can either be absolute or constitutional power.

Monarchy Vs. Autocracy: Are These Words Related?

Both words refer to ruling systems. However, there are some differences.

In a monarchy, a state’s leadership depends on one leader, a monarch. Most monarchies have had monarchs who involve one or two members at the decision table. History reveals that some monarchies had a legal framework to execute their work.

However, that’s not the case with autocracy. In this government doctrine, only one person has sole power. The leader has control over anything. Not even the constitution or legal institutions limit, control, or challenge their leadership and decision-making powers.

So, is autocracy a form of monarchy?

The short answer is yes, but in this case, autocracy is a monarchy with absolute power.

More Word Comparison Posts

Monarchy Vs. Autocracy: Pronunciation And Spelling Explained

Here’s everything you need to know about the pronunciation, spelling, and syllables of the word autocracy and monarchy.

Spelling

The correct spelling of the term monarch is M-O-N-A-R-C-H-Y. This term has eight characters. Autocracy is spelled as A-U-T-O-C-R-A-C-Y, with eight characters. Proper spelling is key in written texts to avoid confusing your readers.

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Pronunciation

Pronunciation also matters in every word you learn. Pronounce monarchy as maa.naar.kee. From the pronunciation, it’s easy to note that the word consists of three syllables: mon-arch.y.

The word autocracy is pronounced as aa.taa.kruh.see. It’s easy to pronounce if you keep practicing. Note that this word is divided into four syllable sounds: au.toc.ra.cy.

Do the words autocracy and monarchy have plural forms?

The answer is a resounding yes! The plural of monarchy is monarchies, and the plural of autocracy is autocracies. The two plural word forms apply when referring to many forms of the two governments.

List Of Examples Of Monarchy And Autocracy Use In Sentences

Your understanding of monarchy and autocracy isn’t complete if you cannot construct correct sentences with the two words. If that’s you, learn from the sentences below.

Example sentences with the word monarchy

  1. Many people are against the monarchy.
  2. Marchy should not last in this Century.
  3. The British monarchy system upholds the constitution.
  4. What would happen if the monarchy was not hereditary?
  5. Some monarchies have lasted for centuries.

Example sentences with the word autocracy

  1. No serious country should support autocracy
  2. I’m happy that autocracy is now a thing of the past in most continents.
  3. An autocratic government is the worst to experience.
  4. Mark has been an advocate of autocracy for many years.
  5. Autocracy and dictatorship are the same things.

Conclusion: Monarchy And Autocracy

The worst mistake you can commit when addressing people is to confuse words. With our detailed analysis of monarchy and autocracy, you can now use these words without worrying about making a mistake; people will grasp your message, and you’ll be politically correct.