Equestria IS a kingdom

[RainbowDangerDashie 195]

Proof that Equestria exists somewhere yay. When will we at least get the name of ONE other country in Equestria then? I always thought Equestria was a country >.<

[Adorkable 2,737]

Yes, I've always thought so.

 

The biggest proof we have is multiple princesses.

[GreyScholar 1,584]

Equestria is both a Diarchy and Principality, with Celestia and Luna sharing rulership of the land through a dualistic aspect of day and night.

 

It is as simple as that, though I do feel it is possible for there to be a counsel structured much like that of a House of Lord and House of Commons.

[Ashen Pathfinder 16,165]

I tend to view Equestria as a collection of self-ruling city-states that hold to the ideals of a an overruling monarchy considering how people revere the royal sisters.

 

My thoughts anyway. I mean we see that major cities like Manehatten & Cloudsdale as being a major part of Equestria, but they rarely refer to Caterlot as the ancient Romans would refer to Rome.

[Naiya The Brony 490]

I don't see equestria as a kingdom but as a country or a nation with multiple rulers in selected areas

[Zoraxe 546]

- The governing/ruling structure of Equestria has never really been made clear, it seems to be this vague and loose agreement of co-habitation and acknowledgement of ruling power that seems only observed in the background, sometimes brought to the forefront rarely sometimes.  Some sort of vague combination of a diarch, principality, city-state/city-republic, semi-loosely united empireish ... thingy

 

That sounds about right.

 

- I would make the vague guess that Princess Luna and Princess Celestia still hold the highest form of ruling power, wherever they go.   Celestia at least holds the highest administrative power (if one wants to use the micro-comics Luna section, of course Luna just gets away with doing jack-all and still being a princess).

 

Depends what jobs they actually have. I'm thinking the princesses of Equestria are Alicorns first and formost, whatever duties they have outside ceremonial stuff are not predetermined. Celestia administrates and runs a school. Other than that do the princesses legislate, or are the only things they have to do outside of what they want to do is protecting ponies from bad guys when needed? We don't see much to really know what they actually do.

 

-The problem sort of roots itself back to Equestria's weird timeline (a few fan timelines exist somewhere)  how long have Princess Celestia and Luna been ruling the three original pony tribes (in reference to Hearth's Warming Eve's history/holiday story). Are they still considered all powerful ruling power? Or were other cities/areas allowed to be given some form of minor autonomy or full sovereignty later on in the timeline?

 

It seems like the different parts of Equestria governs itself, with either local elected offiacials like Ponyville or with local royalty/nobility like the Crystal Empire rather than Celestia selecting governers or whatever. Heck, it is possible that maybe the only part of Equestria Celestia directly governs is Canterlot, and maybe even not even that.

 

Also bearing in mind, the Unicorn tribe also previously had their own personal ruling monarchy as well, Princess Platinum's father, unicorn King Bullion (hey he got a name, last time I checked, he didn't have one. Apparently he is mentioned in that book release 'The Journal of the Two Sisters.' that's new) - So maybe, that might explain where Prince Blueblood is from (still don't know how the heck he came into the royal family, my only guess, he's from the only unicorn monarch lineage).

 

Yeah, the Unicorn King Royalty might still be around too, and I really like the idea that Blueblood is of that line because otherwise we have no explanation.

 

-Maybe Manehattan is its own city-republic, maybe it has minor autonomy but still needs to adhere to the Celestia and Luna's ruling? Don't know because it hasn't been answered yet in the show, (screw Princess Twilight, we don't even acknowledge her as a princess ¯\(°_o)/¯ ) At least ponyville's residents acknowledge Celestia existence when she visits. But probably Mayor Mare and city council elect the local laws, probably a very loose ruling system in some sort of empire thingamajig, ruling pony society is pragmatics at best.

 

 

Heh, Manehatten doesn't care what kind of aristocrate Twilight is, she can wait in line for the Taxi like everypony ells!

 

And let's throw in those other areas and ponies off the map: the delegates from Saddle Arabia, the Duke and Duchess from Maretonia

 

 

And the Griffons.

 

Equestria is both a Diarchy and Principality, with Celestia and Luna sharing rulership of the land through a dualistic aspect of day and night.

 

It is as simple as that, though I do feel it is possible for there to be a counsel structured much like that of a House of Lord and House of Commons.

 

There can be a worlds difference from one kind of monarch to another.

[sovereign24 70]

Always thought of it as something like an imperial (con)federation (? idk if that even exists). Smth like the German Empire? A collection of semi-independent territories.

[GreyScholar 1,584]

There can be a worlds difference from one kind of monarch to another.

Hmm, what does that have to do with my post?

[Zoraxe 546]

Hmm, what does that have to do with my post?

 

You said it was "simple as that", when it is in fact, not that simple. We don't even know what being a Princess even means in Equestria. Nor do we know if being a Prince means being equal with Princesses or its a lessor role. Nor do we know (in-universe) why is it 'Princess Celestia' and not 'Queen Celestia'. (Here is the real reason in real life- http://thatguywiththeglasses.com/videolinks/thatguywiththeglasses/nostalgia-critic/38723-nostalgia-critic-whats-with-the-princess-hate)

 

Does both Shining Armor and Cadance equally rule the Crystal Empire or is he just the princesses husband? It may be part of the reason he was down on the field during the Equestria games rather than with a big seat with the Princesses, it avoids an awkward question. Also, can there be male Alicorns?

[GreyScholar 1,584]

@@Zoraxe,
What are the facts?
Celestia and Luna are the highest authorities in the land and that they share rulership with each other.

 

Diarchy (or dyarchy; from the Greek δι- / δύο meaning "two" and ἄρχω meaning "to rule") is a form of government in which two individuals ("diarchs") are joint heads of state. Most diarchs hold their position for life, passing the position to their children or other family members.
 
Diarchy is one of the oldest forms of government: examples include ancient Sparta, Rome, Carthage as well Germanic and Dacian tribes. Several ancient Polynesian societies also exhibited a diarchic political structure. Ranks in the Inca Empire were structured in moieties, with two occupants of each rank, but with different prestige, one hanan (upper) and one hurin (lower). In modern usage, diarchy means a system of dual rule, whether this be of a government or of an organization. Such 'diarchies' are not hereditary.

Modern examples of diarchies are the Principality of Andorra, whose heads of state are the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell; the Republic of San Marino, led by two collegial Captains Regent; and the Kingdom of Swaziland, where the joint heads of state are the king and his mother.

It very much applies.

Edited July 18, 2014 by EquestrianScholar

[M'aiq the Liar 5,804]

Well, considering that the royal sisters literally have control over the sun and the moon I wouldn't doubt that they run the land like a diarchy, due to the fact that not only are the solely responsible for the day and night cycle, but also seem to be either immortal or very very slow aging. Can't exactly argue with the queen if she can move the sun.

 

 

Also, as an interesting tidbit, Faust had originally wanted Celestia's title to be queen, implying more of a monarchle system than we see currently in the show, but thanks to intervention at hasbro all titles were changed to prince and princess, even bluebloods title was changed from duke to prince. (and he is most likely of the unicorn royal line, thus the title). Like any medieval monarchy, there are going to be cities that have more autonomy than others, with Manehatten most likely having a council that governs it, but in the end still answers to celestia, as she can literally move the sun.

[GreyScholar 1,584]

@,

Here is a fair question, can you have two queens ruling the same nation and with equal authority?

-----------------------------------------

 

Quoted from Monarchy on Wikipedia

Most states only have a single person acting as monarch at any given time, although two monarchs have ruled simultaneously in some countries, a situation known as diarchy. Historically this was the case in the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta or 17th-century Russia, and there are examples of joint sovereignty of spouses or relatives (such as William and Mary in the Kingdoms of England and Scotland). Other examples of joint sovereignty include Tsars Peter I and Ivan V of Russia and Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and Joanna of Castile of the Crown of Castile.

 

Andorra currently is the world's sole constitutional diarchy or co-principality. Located in the Pyrenees between Spain and France, it has two co-princes: the Bishop of Urgell (a prince-bishop) in Spain and the President of France (inherited ex officio from French kings). It is the only situation in which an independent country's monarch is democratically elected by the citizens of another country.

 

Also, from Coregency on Wikipedia

A coregency (or co-principality) is the situation where a monarchical position (such as king, queen, emperor or empress), normally held by only a single person, is held by two or more.

Seriously, Diarchy and Coregency both apply to Equestria

Edited July 18, 2014 by EquestrianScholar

[Zoraxe 546]

@@Zoraxe,

What are the facts?

Celestia and Luna are the highest authorities in the land and that they share rulership with each other.

 

It very much applies.

 

Yeah, except if they have equal authority with the other two princesses, Equestria would be a tetrarchy then. Or does Celestia have authority over Luna, then its full Monarchy.

 

Of coarse, that doesn't necessarily mean that Equestrian princesses have absolute authority either, above all laws or constitution. Knowing Celestia she may have actually written an Equestria Constitution herself, limiting her own power.

Edited July 19, 2014 by Zoraxe

[StitchandMLPlover 930]

I think Equestria consists of many city-states which rule themselves one way or the other, and over those the princesses are who decide in a time of crisis and may also act as the highest level of jurisdiction.

This could explain why each city competed in the Equestria Games too. Each town was like a state in that episode which made me think of greek city states etc. 

[GreyScholar 1,584]

Yeah, except if they have equal authority with the other two princesses.

Twilight Sparkle is a long way from having anywhere near sharing equal authority with the celestial sisters. Cadance only has authoriry in the Crystal Empire, none in Equestria.

 

I'm sorry, but you'll need to try again.

[Bella_Faus 35]

It is! It's a kingdom! Ruled by Luna and Celestia! 

[Luna 831 468]

Yes they even say that in the episodes.

[Zoraxe 546]

Twilight Sparkle is a long way from having anywhere near sharing equal authority with the celestial sisters. Cadance only has authoriry in the Crystal Empire, none in Equestria.

 

I'm sorry, but you'll need to try again.

 

Actually, in what way would Celestia have more authority than Twilight or Cadance? Is Celestia officially able to order Twilight or Cadance around?

 

Well actually according to Journal of 2 sisters, they are not even ruling. They are protectors, guardians of Equestria. Every city have its own mayor who decide every policy like city states.

 

Hmmm.... what exactly does the book say?

[~ Dr. Ocsid ~ 690]

This could explain why each city competed in the Equestria Games too. Each town was like a state in that episode which made me think of greek city states etc. 

Maybe the Equestria Games had even a similar history to the olympic games from which they are obviously inspired; An event to express the the peace and friendship between the city states. They may even be older than the reign of the Royal Sisters!

[StitchandMLPlover 930]

Maybe the Equestria Games had even a similar history to the olympic games from which they are obviously inspired; An event to express the the peace and friendship between the city states. They may even be older than the reign of the Royal Sisters!

That is a good point because the 3 pony races were trying to be more friendly with each other after the events of Hearth's Warming Eve. I have to wonder if the Equestria Games are mostly meant for pegasus ponies and if the history would explain why. 

[Red Cedar 1,408]

Celestia and Luna are definitely the two in overall charge of Equestria. Even then Luna seems to defer to her sister as far as overall authority goes, though that is likely due to Celestia having had about a thousand years more experience at ruling single-hoofedly than Luna does. Cadence has even less experience, and is definitely sub-ordinate to Celestia, but seems to have been granted the opportunity to govern the Crystal Empire (probably to give the Crystal Ponies some semblance of stability after their thousand-year absence).

 

Twilight, however, is pretty darn new at this. While she showed some organizational and leadership skills prior to becoming a Princess, the truth is, she would have been just as happy sitting in the library and reading most of the time. She was clearly out of her element (but faking it) when the other Princesses disappeared or were unavailable and Canterlot was left under her command.

[Zoraxe 546]

Season 4s season finale is named 'Twilights Kingdom', further adding to the confusion!

 

 

[\/ 651]

It states that they watch all of Equestria through the telescopes on their balconies. those things must have some incredible magnification. The sniper would love one of those for his rifle. Maybe in the My Little Fortress parallel universe, Twilight uses them for exactly that purpose.

[Malinter 3,065]

Season 4s season finale is named 'Twilights Kingdom', further adding to the confusion!

 

you'd be surprised how little land you actually need to be a 'kingdom'. There are a few jokers in real life who have literally bought land the size of a small field and legally had it declared a separate state/kingdom. XD

Edited August 4, 2014 by Shire Pony Malinter

[Zoraxe 546]

Interesting to note that when Celestia and Luna were at the Crystal Empire, it was Cadance who had the highest seat and Celestia and Luna who had the lower seats.