Absolutism, often associated with the concept of divine right, is a political theory and system of government that was prevalent in Europe during the early modern period, particularly in the 17th century. It is characterized by centralized and absolute authority vested in a single ruler, typically a monarch or king, who holds supreme power and authority over the state and its citizens. Here's an explanation of both terms:
Absolutism: Absolutism is a political philosophy and system in which the ruler (such as a king or monarch) possesses absolute and unrestricted power and authority over the government and the people. This means that the ruler's decisions and commands are not subject to constitutional limitations, checks and balances, or the will of elected representatives. The monarch's word is law, and they have complete control over all aspects of governance, including legislation, taxation, and the military. Absolutist rulers often claimed that their authority was divinely ordained.
Divine Right: Divine right is a concept closely associated with absolutism. It is the belief that a monarch's authority to rule is granted by divine providence or God. According to this belief, kings and queens are chosen by God to rule, and their authority is absolute and unquestionable because it is God's will. Divine right provided a religious and moral justification for the concentration of power in the hands of a single ruler and discouraged challenges to their authority. Critics of divine right argued that it was often used to suppress dissent and maintain the status quo.
Prominent examples of absolutist monarchs who claimed divine right include Louis XIV of France, who famously declared, "L'État, c'est moi" (I am the state), and James I of England, who argued that kings ruled "by the grace of God." Absolutism and the belief in divine right were significant political and social forces in Europe until they were challenged and gradually replaced by more constitutional forms of government, such as constitutional monarchies and republics.