Changes

For democratic states that have evolved out of ancient monarchies, the throne still has important meaning to government. In Japan, the Chrysanthemum Throne is described as reflecting the unity and deep history of Japan, as the monarchy in that state is the longest continuing monarchy known to us. <ref>For more on modern Japan and its throne, see: Martin, P. (1997) <i>The chrysanthemum throne: a history of the emperors of Japan.</i> Honolulu, University of Hawai’i Press.</ref> In the United Kingdom, the coronation throne, held in Westminster Abbey, looks to be a relatively simple looking chair that the monarch is crowned in. It was once decorated and gilded; however, the aged appearance is part of the symbolism, as it reflects the continuity of the monarchy. The throne is still used as the symbol of official government power in the UK, where the Queen opens parliament while seated on an elaborate, decorated throne where she is also dressed in her royal jewelry and crown. <ref>For more on the modern throne and government in the UK, see : Lyon, A. (2003) <i> Constitutional history of the UK. </i>London ; Portland, Or, Cavendish Pub, pg. 303.</ref> In Canada, where the Queen Elizabeth is still regarded as the Queen of Canada, three thrones are used in the opening of the Senate. In this case, the monarch, her consort, and the speaker sit on the thrones to begin the legislative sessions. In effect, as democratic systems have evolved out of the UK parliamentary system, the idea of a central speaker seated on a raised chair has continued. This is the case in the United States House of Representatives, where the speaker is seated above the other representatives, symbolically represented as the leader of the legislative body. In the annual state of the union speech, the president is arranged on the front chair, while the speaker of the house is seated in the back and along with the vice-president. This derives from the idea of positioning the monarch along with his/her consort and speaker of the legislative body.<ref>For more on congressional history and its development, see: Julian E. Zelizer (ed.) (2004) <i>The American Congress: the building of democracy.</i> Boston, Houghton Mifflin.</ref>