The monarchy is a system of government where a king or queen is the head of state. This system has been in place in England for over 1000 years and is a part of the country’s history and culture. You probably know of members of the British royal family such as Kate and Will or Charles and Camilla, who are often seen in the news carrying out official engagements and charity work.
However, some people believe that the monarchy should be abolished and replaced with a different system of government. One reason some people believe the monarchy should be abolished is because it is an outdated system. In today’s world, many countries have a democracy, where the people elect their leaders. This means that the people have a say in who governs them and how they are governed.
The monarchy, on the other hand, is an inherited position, meaning that the king or queen is chosen based on who their parents were, not based on how the people feel about them. This means that the people end up being the leader of the country simply because they were born into a certain family.
Another reason some people believe the monarchy should be abolished is because it is expensive. The royal family costs taxpayers a lot of money each year. This money could be used for other important things like healthcare, education, and housing.
Despite these reasons, there are also many reasons why people believe the monarchy should be kept. The monarchy has a long history and tradition in Britain, and it is a big part of the culture. It brings in a lot of tourism and money to the United Kingdom. The royal family do a lot of charity work and helps to raise awareness for important causes.
The monarchy also helps to keep history and traditions alive. The royal family has been a part of British history for many centuries, and they help to remind the country of their past and the important events that have shaped the nation.
But what about in New Zealand? New Zealand is part of the Commonwealth which means that we are ruled by the monarchy. Well, technically.
The monarchy plays a ceremonial role in New Zealand as the head of state. The current monarch, King Charles, is represented by the Governor-General, who carries out the official duties of the monarch, such as signing legislation into law and appointing government officials. The monarchy also has a symbolic role in New Zealand, representing continuity and tradition within the country. So, while the monarchy in New Zealand serves as a unifying symbol for the country, it does not really have any significant political power.
At the end of the day, the monarchy is a source of pride for many people in the United Kingdom and beyond. Many people enjoy following the activities and events of the royal family, and it is seen as a fun and exciting thing to learn about and talk about.
Ultimately, it’s up to the people of England to decide if they want to keep the monarchy or if they want to make a change. Although based on how upset people were when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family… maybe the monarchy is here to stay for a while longer.
Critical thinking questions:
1. How does the monarchy’s wealth and privileges affect the social and economic inequality in our country?
2. Can you think of any examples of how the monarchy has positively impacted New Zealand?
3. How do the monarchy’s actions and decisions compare to those of elected officials or leaders?
4. Are there any other countries or forms of government that you think handle the role of monarchy differently?
Practical thinking questions:
1. What are your thoughts on the role of the monarchy in New Zealand’s government? Do you believe the monarchy holds much power or influence in our society today?
2. Do you think the monarchy should be abolished or reformed in any way? Why or why not?
3. How do you think the monarchy’s role and actions may change or evolve in the future?
