What is Absolutism? An Absolute Monarchy, or absolutism, unlimited power in the hands of the King and his advisors. The ruler’s power was not limited by having to consult with nobles, common people, or their representatives. In most instances, the King claimed to rule by the Divine-Right (under God) The political idea that monarchs receive their power directly from God and are responsible only to God for their actions. This allowed monarchs to go unchallenged by their subjects.

These powers made a ruler sovereign! The government in which an individual, the King, has TOTAL CONTROL. No CHECKS and BALANCES, no SEPERATION of POWER, No BRANCHES of GOVERNMENT. Ultimate power in the nation rested in the hands of GOD…but what does that mean? Absolute dominance was combined with threat of punishment and violence. No courts, no jury’s, no innocent until proven guilty. Power is not restricted by law.

Divine Right Primary Source The state of monarchy is the supremest thing upon earth; for kings are not only God’s lieutenants upon earth, and sit upon God’s throne, but even by God Himself they are called gods…Kings justly gods, for they exercise a…divine power upon earth…God hath power to create or destroy, make or unmake at His pleasure, to give life or send death to judge and to be judged nor accountable to none, to raise low things and make high things low at His pleasure…And the like power of kings… -King James IV/I of Britain 1609 - How does it show absolute and divine control?

Divine Rights of Kings Government was divinely ordained so that humans could live in an organized society. Of all forms of government, the monarchy, was the highest. Since Kings received their power from GOD, their authority was absolute. They were responsible to no one (including the parliament) except GOD. Created Dynasty’s A family that governs a country based on the idea of divine right passed down from one generation to the next.

Be Prepared – The Lion King!

Absolutism vs. Democracy Monarch has absolute power. Monarch combines political and religious power through divine right. Rulers selected by family line. Subjects must accept and obey authority of Monarchs. Government exists for its own sake, people exist to serve Monarch. Democracy Government is based on will of the people. Separation between church and state within government agencies. Leaders selected by popular vote. Citizens have the right to question or criticize government. Government exists to serve the people.

Monarch’s throughout Europe Europe throughout the 15th and 16th century kept a pretty solid Balance of Power Each nation helps to keep peace and order by maintaining power that is equal to rival nations. However, the age of exploration changed that idea and country’s throughout Europe began competing against one another.