1. Absolutism-Age of Kings
Absolutism: a form of government where the monarch has the power to rule their land freely, with no laws or legally-organized direct opposition in force, complete/absolute authority
Divine Right: the doctrine that a monarch derives his or her power directly from God

2. Methods Used By Monarchs to Consolidate Their Power
Weaken power of group that threatens your power the most  the nobles
Put people in government positions that depend on you for their job/status  middle class
Make yourself the head of the established Church in your country
Build a large, national military that is financed by subjects’ taxes and loyal only to you
Develop a uniform set of laws that is applied to all subjects in your country; you are the lawgiver
Encourage the development of ideas, slogans, symbols, mottoes, etc. that stress national loyalty and pride