Monarchy or republic?

Superman · Fleet Admiral Joined: 06 Dec 2003 Posts: 10220

Which do you think is the better system-and why?

Here in Britain, we have a Monarchy with Elizabeth II as our Head of State (I'm sure you knew that already).

Whilst the Monarchy has it's faults, it is fairly traditional. And my main reason for liking it is that it transcends politics. And the Monarchy is a great representative for Britain across the world. I believe it can be a real force for good. But of course, it has it's faults and it does need to change in some ways.

A Republic is probably good, depending on the country itself. It does seem to make more sense to have an elected rather than an unelected representative. But politics can be dirty at times as you all know.

In a nutshell, I think a King or Queen can be better because they have long reigns and are more in tune with what the people want. Elizabeth II has been Head of State since 1952-so she's seen a lot, done a lot. What better person to represent a country than a person who has reigned for 50 years and seen many social changes.

A President however is a disadvantage because most politicians (if not all of them) think in five-year cycles only, they're just looking ahead to the next election.

What are your thoughts on this, folks?

IntrepidIsMe · **Thu Jul 01, 2004 8:31 pm**

Republic.

The fact that you can choose your leader, I think, makes all the difference. I like the idea of choosing who is running my country. Not being born into someone, and then having them rule for half a century (so far, I'm comparing to Britain). What happens if I don't like that person and their ideas/decisions? I won't be able to wait four years (in the US, at least), and decide that I want a different person ruling my country. I'd have to wait until they became incompetent, resigned, or bit the dust.

Delta Quad 2003 · **Thu Jul 01, 2004 9:48 pm**

I agree I would want a Republic just for the sheer fact that the country makes the rules not just one person.

Toad · **Thu Jul 01, 2004 10:09 pm**

Jeremy · **Fri Jul 02, 2004 6:16 am**

I actually prefer the way it is here in Britain, as there is a Monarchy yet it doesn't have loads of power and the Prime Minister and his voted party does. That way we get the best of both worlds.

Theresa · **Fri Jul 02, 2004 11:01 am**

Republic.

Jeremy, how do you feel about paying that monarch's grandchildren 2 million dollars a year? (last time I read).
I suppose I don't understand the point of a monarch being anything other than a figurehead, a symbol. And that just seems superfluous to me.

(Did you know that they originally offered to make George Washington a King? He refused, (obviously,

))

Seven of Nine · **Fri Jul 02, 2004 11:41 am**

I like the way it is here... if Tony Blair (or any other prime minister) goes off the rails, the monarch can step in. We may pay for the Royal Family, but they bring in a lot from tourism, so it balances out a bit.

Anyway, the last time we had a republic we begged the king back

Theresa · **Fri Jul 02, 2004 11:53 am**

Well, yes. People don't like change.

Even the Israelites wanted to go back to Egypt after being freed, because it was something they knew.

2 mill a year for what, seven kids (each)? And their parents, and not to mention the monarch themselves. Then we have their transportation, housing, etc... I mean, you really don't think they pay for it out of their own pockets...
That's a hell of a lot of tourism,

And here, we have congress if our president "goes off the rails". That, or the people themselves. The American public can actually have a sitting president removed.

syd2002 · **Fri Jul 02, 2004 1:47 pm**

Alot of people are saying Republic. But a Republic type of government has it's faluts.

It takes much longer for bills and rules to pass. There is counterdiction and arguments over everything. There is always one pro and one con side to Everything.

What about an elected Dictator?

One guy, no arguments. No Counterdiction

He/she can run it like a company, he/she can make it work. He/she can fix taxing and money problems and noone can stop he/she from going through something to the end. Fast results.

Kyre · Commodore Joined: 15 Mar 2002 Posts: 1263

I pay tax for a lot of crap I don't need. Sure, the Royal Family doesn't do 'much', and is more of an international symbol. I don't mind that, and I certainly don't mind paying my share for it.

Jadzia Lenara Dax · **Fri Jul 02, 2004 5:16 pm**

Superman · Fleet Admiral Joined: 06 Dec 2003 Posts: 10220

I do think the Royal Family needs to be streamlined, I do. And I don't think we should pay quite as much as we do.

But it all comes down to the fact that I think it is a force for good to have a symbolic figurehead, an apolitical figurhead who transcends the corruption of politics.

BTW, thanks folks for your honest and heart-felt opinions. Once again, this is the best forum on the 'net, a far cry from a lot of forums I used to be a member of where most members said 'You suck' when you had a difference of opinion.

Whilst some of us are pro-republic and some of us are pro-monarchy, everyone has put their arguments forward in an articulate and polite manner.

syd2002 · **Fri Jul 02, 2004 8:40 pm**

B'Elanna Torres 7 of 9 · **Sat Jul 03, 2004 2:07 am**

republic times 10,000!!

Seven of Nine · **Sat Jul 03, 2004 6:03 am**

I don't mind paying my 60p for the monarchy... I'd pay more if it means that we rule ourselves, not Brussels!

1/1 · **Sat Jul 03, 2004 12:26 pm**

I love our Queen so I'd say I prefer the monarchy to the republic.

superwoman · **Sat Jul 03, 2004 1:54 pm**

"Same siht diffrent name"

Jeremy · **Sat Jul 03, 2004 3:54 pm**

Superman · Fleet Admiral Joined: 06 Dec 2003 Posts: 10220

A monarchy and a republic are two imperfect systems. However, I think to find the answer to which is better, you have to ask two questions.

1) Which is the lesser of two evils?
2) Which system can do the least damage?

Ponder those questions (there are no right answers, only your viewpoint) and you have your answers.

Theresa · **Sun Jul 04, 2004 6:08 pm**

Superman · Fleet Admiral Joined: 06 Dec 2003 Posts: 10220

Ksim3000 · **Mon Jul 05, 2004 7:41 pm**

Call me American at heart but I am completely against The Monarchy, but then, most of my family is. You see, we pay alot of money to them and to do what? Sit around and enjoy themselves while we have to work and actually do something?

Sure, it was understandable when we had Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth 1 (The best Monarchs we've ever had) but now, they don't do anything. All they do is wave, smile and take all of our money from us.

Yes, they bring in Tourism but still, that does not cover the costs we pay to them each month.

Personally, I like The American system alot better then The British system. Also, if you have noticied, the prices of goods in America are quite cheap and that is not down to the economy but the fact that they do not have to pay the tax like we do.

So if you ask me, a Republic would be better.