1. Absolutism in Europe
Page

2. What is an absolute monarch?
What is a monarchy?
“a government in which power is in the hands of a single person.” (per the textbook)
What is an absolute monarch?
“a king or queen who has unlimited power and seeks to control all aspects of
society.” (per the textbook)
So what’s the difference?
Monarchy- legally bound by their nations constitution; limits their power
Absolute monarchy- can do whatever due to no legal restraints; dictator

3. Divine right: the idea that monarchs are God’s representatives on earth and are therefore answerable only to God. (p. 137 of textbook)
What does this mean?
Rulers believed that they were chosen by God to represent him here. Their power was given by God, could be taken away by only God, and answered to no one but God.