The writers of Duet.17.14-20 and 1 Samuels 8.1-22 held a skeptical view of monarchy. This attitude is understandable, since the exodus from Egypt; Israel’s "king" was God. The will of God was passed down through religious leaders called judges or prophets. However as seen in Deuteronomy, laws were written in the case that the people would wish "to be like other nations" and want a king. These instructions included that the king would be God's chosen one and of Jewish birth. The king would also have to resist the temptation to stray away from the Laws of Moses and use position to just acquire large amounts of wealth. In 1 Samuels, it seems that the view toward monarchy is even more skeptical and opposed. The writer suggests that God feels rejected by the people since they asked for a king. God instructs Samuel (a prophet and God's Messenger) to warn the people of the dangers of having a king. These dangers include taxes, and more warfare. Yet, the people of Israel still demand a king and God allows them to have one. From a historical view point of a view, the skeptical and negative attitude toward monarchy may lie in the fact that many writers of the Bible were religious leaders and may be opposed to having to share their power.
Last part has a good observation Ashley. See my post below about the 'twinning' of king and prophet which works like a check to royal power.
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