Monarchy |
Republic |
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The Crown exists as a unifying non-political symbol of the entire nation, with individuals of all political opinions able to respect a non-political Monarch and feel loyalty to an enduring and non-threatening institution. The Crown reciprocates this loyalty by protecting all individuals, regardless of their political
or religious beliefs, from arbitrary or unjust treatment by governments.
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Various republics attempt to engender loyalty to the people, the proletariat, der volk or the citizens, but the real focus of power is invariably a political party, which usurps the machinery of government for the benefit of its supporters and the aggrandisement of its leaders.
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| Governments obey constitutional rules which limit bureaucratic power and ensure that the people have the ultimate right, through the ballot box, to reject authoritarian or unpopular measures.
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Governments are inadequately restricted by rules of civilised behaviour. Classic examples are the bombing in New Zealand of the Rainbow Warrior with the approval of the French President, and the US Government's massacre of the Branch Davidians.
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| Governments must obey the Rule of Law, which among other things means that governments and citizens meet on equal terms in the courts. All people are equal before the law, and opposition to government policy is legal.
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Governments appoint judges and insist on political outcomes of court proceedings. Opposition to the government can become a crime punishable by imprisonment, exile or execution. Ruling Party members are more equal than others.
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| Governments act in the name of the Crown, which is a symbolic way of stating that governments are obliged to act in the interests of all citizens, rather than for the exclusive benefit of their own supporters.
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Governments act in the interests of the political party in power and its supporters. Concepts of right and wrong are submerged below the only significant question for republicans: Have we got the numbers?
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| Judges are appointed without reference to their political beliefs and make their judgements on the basis of the Law rather than upon political considerations.
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Judges are removed and appointed by the ruling political party, and are always under pressure to allow their judgements to be corrupted by political considerations.
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| Land, buildings and assets are owned by the Crown which means that governments of all political persuasions respect that fact that such land, buildings and assets are held in trust for the whole of the people.
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Land, buildings and assets are owned by the government or the state, which means that the political party in power can do what it likes with the assets of the people.
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| No member of a political, religious or racial minority in a constitutional monarchy need feel that a change in government can threaten life, liberty or property.
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Republics are notorious for their hostile and exploitative treatment of minorities. The Nazi republic was notorious for its genocidal pogroms against Jews and Gypsies. Today the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Peoples Republic of China each persecute Christians. The Republic of India persecutes Sikhs and Moslems.
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