Would the U.S. Politicians Behave Better with a Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State?
The question often arises whether the United States, a republic famously founded to distance itself from the monarchy, would benefit from a constitutional monarchy under the rule of Queen Elizabeth II. History, however, may suggest a very different scenario.
Monarchy and Its Role in Governance
If the 13 United Colonies of British North America had retained the Crown after the 18th-century revolution, they might have evolved into a British Commonwealth similar to the Canadian model. In such a scenario, the constitutional monarchy would have provided a figure of elevated dignity and respect, potentially influencing the governance in ways that differed from the current system.
The Role of Queen Elizabeth II as a Constitutional Monarch
A constitutional monarch like Queen Elizabeth II does not rule; her role is advisory and exists to provide a sense of continuity and tradition. She advises and warns, but the ultimate decisions are made by the elected representatives. This could have dissuaded the American political elite from behaving as disgracefully as they do today, given the social norms and cultural respect for the Crown in the UK.
Implications for U.S. Politicians
Under a constitutional monarchy, American politicians might have been less inclined to exhibit egregious behaviors, such as the misconduct and scandalous actions of figures like Donald Trump and his associates. Imagine, for a moment, if the Trump administration, along with the entire GOP backbench, faced permanent confinement in the Tower of London, away from the public and legal scrutiny. The penalties would not only serve as a deterrent but also provide a strong message against such conduct.
English Grammar and Language
The English language, as it is used in the United States, often suffers from abuse, miscommunication, and a loss of grammatical accuracy. Many British citizens, including those in the UK, Canada, and beyond, speak and write English with a level of clarity and precision that many Americans lack. Accusations of such linguistic inferiority are not without basis, as many English-speaking individuals from other countries can attest to the difference in quality and fluency.
Constitutional Monarchy and U.S. Independence
The idea of a constitutional monarchy in the United States is inherently improbable given the historical context of the American Revolution. The Founding Fathers fought agaist the monarchy to establish a republic, and the American mindset remains deeply rooted in this sentiment. It is highly unlikely that the U.S. would willingly embrace a monarchy, and the same would be true for Queen Elizabeth II, who would likely refuse to take on such a role.
Conclusion
While the idea of a constitutional monarchy in the United States is intriguing, the likelihood of its implementation given the historical, cultural, and political context is virtually zero. Whether a constitutional monarchy would make a significant difference in the behavior of U.S. politicians is questionable, as the framework and norms of governance in the U.S. are deeply entrenched in democratic principles and cultural independence from the British monarchy.