Do the words "The Republic of Great Britian" send a shiver down your spine?

Question

It makes me weak just thinking about it, I cannot imagine a Britain or Commonwealth without a Monarch. Not only am a scared of change, but I am worried that the Government would start making even worse decisions then they do now, as without the protection of a monarch they could do almost anything.

Answer 1

I know it sounds crazy but getting rid of the monarchy in England would be like getting rid of a perfectly good investment. It's excellent for the economy it brings in tons of tourism besides for everything else.

I didn't see the answer above, realise we're saying exactly the same thing.

Answer 2

i like having a monarchy- i think it gives the United kingdom a sense of history, why would things change anyway? don't be paranoid

Answer 3

Scary thought there, man. We have to keep the monarch for our tourism otherwise whats the point?

Answer 4

Oooh no.  the very idea fills me with delight.  What protection do you think a monarch actually gives?  They reign but don't rule.  You can be a true Brit without wanting a monarchy

Answer 5

No, it doesn't.  The royals have become increasingly irrelevant as a national or patriotic symbol.

I could easily live with a European style president (a head of state who does not make political decisions but who oversees the parliamentary process), when Elizabeth dies.  Make Chucky the first president for 10 years and then Willy and Harry president for 5 years each.  Thereafter, the president will be chosen by parliament (or elected) for 5 year terms.

Answer 6

The British Monarchy give us something to unite about whether we love them or hate them.

They are what draws so many tourists here each year without whom we would be in serious financial trouble.

The monarchy are figureheads and act as representatives of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. The Queen still has the power to appoint a Prime minister so if there is a tie in the election the Queen will decide which one.

Answer 7

without a monarchy, a country will have a presidential figure. so a government would not have free reign to do whatever they want.

An elected president would probably have more idea of the real world than a monarch.

But Britain will never get rid of the monarchy, various reasons, traditions, the people want it, and the tourism revenue is staggering, so I think your spine is safe from the shivering for now

Answer 8

the monarchs dont have any real say in the ruling of the country anyway so it wouldnt make much difference.

Answer 9

Monarchy or not, it doesn't really bother me.

Answer 10

Wouldn't bother me in the slightest.

But they're not gonna scrap the royal family, despite them having no power and just being there to entertain the masses via the tabloids, they bring a lot of money into the country through tourism.

Answer 11

with or without the monarch...they still can't do anything....

Answer 12

I'm a great lover of history, and particularly English history, but I have to say it is now time to remove this outdated institution.

The monarchy has served no real purpose for at least 50 years.

Answer 13

YES... even more than hearing the Marine Corps Band playing "God save the King" when George Bush walks into the room.

Answer 14

that phrase belongs in fiction books.

but just look at what happend to the french, when they decided to cut every bodys head off, and draw examples from what happend when oliver cromwell was in the seat of power.

Answer 15

Wtf?

Answer 16

Not at all, I'd be delighted! As for the 'protection' of the monarch, that is so laughable! The only things that Liz, Phil and company seek to protect are those that relate to their obscenely privileged positions.

Answer 17

A shiver of anticipation. Why do you monarchists think that being lorded over by a bunch of dysfunctional idiots is such a good thing? Why do you consider that paying up to £150 million for the upkeep of the royal family is better than the cost of a President at a 10th of the cost? Why do you not want this country to become part of the 21st Century, instead of paying lip service to a system of government that is centuries out of date? Politicians can be corrupted by power, sure, but the monarchy is corrupted by birthright. Get rid of them, and make this country great again.

Answer 18

Can't you say "been there and done that."  Remember the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell, and the English Republic (1649-1660).  However, France (after five tries) is a fairly stable republic, so it can be done.  The SNP would like to have a republic north of the Forth.

Answer 19

I am not a royalist by any means but the alternatives scare me to death. Would we have to have a president and give him/her the power of veto. Not for me far better a monarch you can control then a president you can't.

In the last couple of hundred years if we had a monarch or royal heir we did not like we kicked them quietly bloodlessly into touch. Vive La common sense.

Answer 20

I'm a republican, so is fine with me.

And let's face it, the monarch has no power anyway, is just an antiquated figurehead.

But the day I'll be happiest is when 'Great' Britain consists only of England.