CLASS 7 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

Absolutism and forms of rule – basic principles

How it works

Absolutism designates, as an ideal of rule, a form of government in which a monarch has almost unlimited power. In the 17th and 18th century, the French king Louis XIV was a well-known example. Absolutist rulers relied on standing armies, administration, and courtly splendor. In contrast, other forms of rule existed, such as the constitutional monarchy, in which the monarch's power is limited by a constitution, or the republic, in which the people or elected representatives govern. The legitimacy of absolutist rule was often justified religiously (divine right of kings).

Note
Absolutism means that a monarch largely concentrates state power in his own hands, whereas other forms of rule such as constitutional monarchy or republic limit the ruler's power or rely more strongly on elected representatives or the people.

An example

Which feature is typical of absolutism?

Typical of absolutism is that the monarch largely rules alone and that central state power lies with him. This distinguishes it from other forms of rule.

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Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: History. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.