Perhaps monarchy works for the elves because it is not an inherited position, where you have a new king (probably inbred and slightly insane) every generation, who immediately wants to implement any changes that he sees fit. Particularly if those changes benefited him.
Also, though the details are rather vague, you get the sense that the rulers of Mirkwood, Lothlorien, Rivendell, etc, concerned themselves only with the "Big Picture", protecting their homeland and protecting it from the big Evil. While the individuals of these kingdoms seemed to have had a lot of autonomy. They didn't have to live by a lot of arbitray rules limiting their movements or behavior. Of course, elves appear to be pretty simpatico with each other, and to all be working towards the common good.
And there is no hint of taxes. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
[ April 15, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]
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