When thinking of monarchs, numerous images come to mind. Throughout time, nations have chosen different styles of monarchy, each of which has succeeded to different extents. Therefore, when taking a critical stance against Monarchy, it is important to remember the terms denotation, making sure not to expand the term to fit today's meaning. By doing this, the term is in control, and thus cannot be molded into a form it is not. Hobbes, in Chapter 19 of Leviathan, defines this term well. Monarchy is the representation of a commonwealth by a single ruler. This is the only requisite. There need not be officials underneath the monarch; the ruler does

Hobbes first point about monarchy is that the sole monarch, as with men in any type of assembly, is still a biologically selfish person. He will put the needs of him and those close to him before the needs of others. As Hobbes says, "Though he be careful in his political person to procure the common interest, yet he is more careful to procure the private good of himself" (Hobbes, 120). Here Hobbes shows that in monarchy, as opposed to democracy, the rulers private interests are closely related to the nation's public interests. Hobbes' support is simple: The King is represented by his subjects, therefore, if the nation does not thrive, neither does the ruler. In spite of this reasoning, Hobbes is wrong. He backs his argument without any valid statements, instead acting as if his own authority is enough evidence. In rebuttal, for a king to be lavish, why must his country also? Couldn't the monarch abuse his subjects, and take from them all he pleases? The monarch France during the rule of Louis XIV proves that a King has no qualms about living ostentatiously, even while his nation suffers from poverty. Simply put, 100,000 people can easily cater to one. Here Hobbes' point is negated, for it is not thought out fully.

When viewing democracy in rebuttal to Hobbes' view of monarchy, one must look at democracy again from a Hobbesian view. Hobbes defines democracy as, "an assembly of all that will come together, or a popular commonwealth (Hobbes, 118)." Simply put, Democracy is the rule by all. Rule by all does not stand for all people debating and voting on every issue that arises (although theoretically this would constitute a democracy), but instead is a government whose power is held by all citizens. Thus in a democracy the people can choose their ruler according to their personal needs.

Democracy is also more fair than a monarchy, as discussed in this last debated topic. In a democracy the ruler does not appoint is successor. Instead the citizens do. Therefore a democratic ruler cannot take bribes in turn for benefits. Also, the ruler cannot show favoritism or pick a successor from his lineage. Therefore the people will always have the last say on their leader, so even if the old leader was corrupt the nation's citizens have the power to choose for themselves a new ruler who is more moral. If a monarch is corrupt then whoever he feels should rule will become sole sovereign. Here again democracy wins the safety measure over monarchy.

The next democratic advantage is that all citizens are held responsible for the same laws because they all hold the same power. In a Monarchy the ruler can put anyone he wishes to death, whereas a democratic nation does not allow for feuds to be revenged through power. To put this point simply, if the ruler of a democratic nation has a feud with another citizen, the ruler can not use his power to destroy his foe. The ruler is in his position through the power of his citizens and therefore if he wants to harm another legally he must get permission from his constituents. An evil monarch can hurt anyone he feels necessary. And so, democracy is again the practical bet.

The next advantage of democracy over monarchy deals with the counsel the ruler receives. In a democratic state the people can chose the council of their ruler or allow permission for the ruler to pick his own council. Thus, the ruler will have to hear different viewpoints on certain subject matter. Furthermore, because a democratic ruler always needs to worry about the wellbeing of his subjects to maintain his power, he will be at the call of his constituents. Therefore, almost anyone who has a valid idea to help the na

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Approximate Word count = 2477
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)