Absolute monarchy
Absolute monarchy is an idealized form of government, a monarchy where the ruler has the power to rule his or her country and citizens freely with no laws or legally-organized direct opposition telling him or her what to do, although some religious authority may be able to discourage the monarch from some acts and the sovereign is expected to act according to custom. There is no constitution or body of law above what is decreed by the sovereign. As a theory of civics, absolute monarchy puts total trust in well-bred and well-trained monarchs raised for the role from birth.
In theory, an absolute monarch has total power over his or her people and land, including the aristocracy and sometimes the clergy (see caesaropapism), but in practice, absolute monarchs have often found their power limited.
Some monarchies have powerless or symbolic parliaments and other governmental bodies that the monarch can alter or dissolve at will. Despite effectively being absolute monarchies, they are technically constitutional monarchies due to the existence of a constitution and national canon of law.
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Theories and History
The theory of absolute monarchy developed in the late Middle Ages from feudalism during which monarchs were still very much first among equals among the nobility. With the creation of centralized administrations and standing armies backed by expensive artillery, the power of the monarch gradually increased relative to the nobles, and from this was created the theory of absolute monarchy.
Divine Rights
Early Absolutists advocated the theory of Divine Right of Kings to justify their position. In the 16th century, monarchs took advantage of the clergy's weakness during the Reformation to impose their will. They declared to have the ability to decide the religion of their subjects. Henry VIII of England seized the property of the Catholic church while France claimed "Gallican liberties". These new monarchs claimed to be responsible solely to God. They attempted to eliminate or marginalize customs, institutions, and laws that held their predecessors in check.
Thomas Hobbes
In the 17th century, efforts by the English monarchy to impose absolutism led to persistent struggles with Parliament which the monarchy eventually lost (see English Civil War and Glorious Revolution). During these struggles, Thomas Hobbes introduced a new but secular theory supporting absolute monarchy. He claimed only a strong sovereign authority can protect the people from anarchy and strife. This actually led to a dispute with Royalists who objected to his rejection of Divine Right.
Enlightened Despotism
In France, the monarchy was able to eventually centralise its powers and sideline Parliament and nobles. A classic example of an absolute monarchy is that of Louis XIV of France. During the Enlightenment, the theory of absolute monarchy was supported by the French philosophes as a form of enlightened despotism. The philosophes argued that only an enlightened monarch can introduce progressive reforms to curtail feudalism and reactionary clergy. However, it must be pointed out that while Louis XV and Louis XVI were absolute monarchs in theory, they had to contend with many private interests, some of which opposed reforms, such as the great nobility and the parlements. Enlightened despotism was discredited with the fall of Napoleon.
The popularity of the notion of absolute monarchy declined substantially after the French Revolution and American Revolution, which promoted theories of government based on popular sovereignty.
Modern examples
The remaining absolute monarchies in the modern world are in Saudi Arabia, Brunei, and Swaziland. One can also add the Vatican City state (headed by the Pope, who has absolute power).
In Jordan and Tonga, the monarch (although not absolute) retains considerable power.
In Nepal, King Gyanendra dismissed Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba due to the ongoing conflict with the Maoists, and formed his own cabinet [1], but claims democracy will return in 3 years.
In Liechtenstein, nearly two-thirds of the tiny principality's electorate have agreed to give Prince Hans Adam veto power he asked for. Although this does not make Hans Adam an absolute monarch, it makes him closer to being an absolute monarch than almost all other royals in Europe.
Many of the nations in the Middle East, such as Qatar, and Kuwait, are said to be absolute monarchies as well, as their monarchs continue to hold great power under their respective constitutions. However, in these cases there are also parliaments and other council bodies that advise and curtail the monarch's effective authority.
See also
- political absolutism
- absolute power
- constitutional monarchy
- Totalitarianism
- dictatorship
- fascismes:Monarquía absoluta
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