Final answer:
A constitutional monarchy balances the ceremonial role of the monarchy with constitutional principles, maintaining checks and balances and rule of law. While the monarch may have some formal powers, these are limited and subject to government approval. Constitutions in such systems can be amended both formally and informally.
Step-by-step explanation:
When evaluating how a constitutional monarchy measures up to the four guiding principles that often underpin a constitution such as separation of powers, checks and balances, rule of law, and the sovereignty of the people, we find that constitutional monarchies attempt to balance the ceremonial role of the monarchy with the functioning principles of a modern government. These nations recognize the monarch, but also require them to adhere to a set of legal frameworks laid out by the constitution that governs the land.
Constitutional monarchies often evolve from absolute monarchies and maintain the monarch in a largely ceremonial role, with elected officials such as prime ministers playing a more significant part in governance. In these systems, there are usually clear checks and balances between the different branches of government. However, unlike in a pure republic or a direct democracy, the monarch may have some formal powers granted by the constitution, although these are typically limited and often subject to parliamentary approval.
In terms of amendments, constitutions in constitutional monarchies can be formally amended through legislative processes that usually require a supermajority in parliament or through a referendum. Informal amendments, which involve changes in constitutional interpretation without altering the text, can occur through judicial decisions or shifts in practice and public expectations over time.