How Do The Differences In The Formalization And Institutionalization Of Monarchic Power, As Seen In The Absolute Monarchies Of Pre-revolutionary France Versus The Constitutional Monarchies Of 19th-century Scandinavia, Impact The Dynamics Of Representation And Legitimacy In The Respective Systems, Particularly In Terms Of The Monarch's Role In The Legislative Process And Their Relationship With Representative Assemblies?

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The comparison between absolute monarchies and constitutional monarchies, specifically pre-revolutionary France and 19th-century Scandinavia, reveals significant differences in governance, representation, and legitimacy.

  1. Absolute Monarchy (Pre-Revolutionary France):

    • Structure and Power: The monarch, such as Louis XVI, held absolute authority, unchecked by any institutionalized body. Decisions on legislation, budget, and military were made without external oversight.
    • Representation: The Estates-General, divided into three estates, was ineffective and underrepresented the majority (Third Estate), leading to widespread discontent.
    • Legitimacy: Derived from the divine right of kings, emphasizing the monarch's authority as ordained by God, which often led to a disconnection from the populace.
    • Legislative Process: The monarch held sole law-making power, with advisory bodies lacking real influence.

  2. Constitutional Monarchy (19th-Century Scandinavia):

    • Structure and Power: Monarchs in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark were bound by constitutions, limiting their authority and emphasizing governance through elected officials.
    • Representation: Representative assemblies like the Riksdag and Storting were more inclusive, incorporating broader segments of society, thus enhancing legitimacy.
    • Legitimacy: Stemmed from the people and adherence to the rule of law, with the monarch serving a symbolic role.
    • Legislative Process: Elected assemblies held primary law-making power, with the monarch's influence limited, often to a ceremonial role.

  3. Impact on Dynamics:

    • Representation and Legitimacy: France's system suffered from underrepresentation and legitimacy crises, contributing to the Revolution. Scandinavia's inclusivity fostered stability and public trust.
    • Monarch-Assembly Relationship: In France, the monarch overshadowed the Estates-General, while in Scandinavia, collaboration between the monarch and assembly was more balanced, with power resting with the legislature.

In conclusion, absolute monarchies concentrated power, limiting representation and facing legitimacy challenges, whereas constitutional monarchies distributed power, enhancing representation and deriving legitimacy from the people.