Designation (monarchy)


Where a monarchy is not hereditary, but relies on election, the reigning monarch may try to influence the succession by the designation of a preferred candidate.

Origin of the term

The word "designation" is derived from the Latin and means the nomination, in advance, of someone to an office.

Middle Ages

Designation played a significant constitutional and political role in the succession of the Frankish monarchy and, later, in the succession of kings in the Holy Roman Empire in Middle Ages. Because the throne was not passed on by inheritance, the king tried to determine his successor by making a recommendation to the "greats of the empire" within his own lifetime. Not infrequently this took the form of an actual nomination, but was probably also indicated by less formal acts.
Four forms of designation can be distinguished, which have legally different meanings:
The attempt by rulers to override the electoral rights of the princes in this way was no longer as successful after 1075, which is why Henry VI pursued an Erbreichsplan or "plan for a hereditary empire. With the double election of 1198, he had practically failed, but the right of the princes to elect the king despite a royal designation was settled only with the formation of the college of electors.

Literature