"[T]he prince is not subject to his law, nor to the laws of his predecessors, but well to his own just and reasonable conventions."
Absolute Monarchism (AbMon), or Absolutism, is an authoritarian ideology which advocates for a single monarch with absolute rule over the state due to the laws of that state, often being seen as owning the countries they reside over. Such rule is often justified through 
religious means though some modern proponents of this ideology use 
secular arguments. When religions are present they must follow divine law.
History
Antiquity
Absolute Monarchy in Antiquity where 
monarchs managed to garner extreme amounts of power over their kingdoms. Sometimes even achieving a cult of personality, a famous example being the Pharaohs of 
Ancient Egypt.
Medieval Period
While most Monarchies in Europe were limited by the 
feudal system, some monarchs have managed to garner enough power to rule in an absolute or semi-absolute manner. The primary example of a de-facto absolute monarchy before the age of Absolutism was the Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire, which had all institutions in some way subordinated to the Emperor worked around the feudal system as much as possible, instead relying on bureaucratic administration of provinces by governors appointed by the Emperor.
Another example of early Absolutism was Russia which had a lot of it's administration modeled after the Byzantine Empire, including the relation of the Monarch and the Church, a standing army loyal directly to the crown, and centralisation around the capital, Moscow and later St. Petersburg. This system would be established firstly by Ivan III the Great of Muscovy, adopting Byzantine administration and refugees from the fallen empire, proclaiming himself Tsar and heir of Constantinople and so forth. Ivan IV The Terrible continued these policies, further centralising power around the crown, establishing a standing army with which he conquered most of what is now European Russia, establishing a secret police and private army, curbing the power of the Boyars, engaging in purges against the aristocracy and siezing their lands, etc. The periods of absolutism in Russia would only be intterupted by periods of instability and decline as a result of regencies and interregnums, but would otherwise continue all the way into modernity.
During periods of political stability, Chinese dynasties would establish absolute power under the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor would have total authority over all aspects of government. This would last untill some less competent or decadent emperors would abandon their duties and enjoy court life or during regencies, as children had no ability to govern on their own and their regent might make power-grabs for themselves, losing de-facto influence in the Court and Bureaucracy leading to rising corruption and decentralisation of power to the generals and governors.
Modern Day
Currently there are a couple of absolute monarchies, those being: 
Brunei Darussalam, 
Kingdom of Eswatini, 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 
Sultanate of Oman, 
Vatican City and 
the State of Qatar. Some monarchies lost the title of "absolute" relatively recently, those being: The Kingdom of Bhutan, The Kingdom of Nepal (now a republic) and The Kingdom of Tonga. There are also some Non-
Ceremonial 
Constitutional Monarchies that get lumped in to the category of "absolute monarchies" by left-wing journalists, example being the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Some powerful dictatorships are put into the category of "Absolute Monarchies", notably the 
Democratic People's Republic of Korea, although both followers of such dictatorships' ideologies and followers of absolute monarchism disagree with this assessment.
Beliefs
Absolutism
Absolutism is characterized by the concentration of powers; There is no division of powers like the one that will define the limited monarchy typical of liberal revolutions . The legislative power , the judicial power and the executive power are exercised by the same authority: the king as supreme magistrate in all areas. The kings word is law. His decisions are unappealable sentences, and the property and life must be given to the king .
God-Given Right to Rule
Most absolute Monarchies lay their claim to power on Religion, making most absolute monarchies theocratic or Establishmentarian in nature. This concept is called "The Divine Right of Kings" in Europe and "The Mandate of Heaven" in China, and "Devaraja/Chakravarti" in India and its sphere of influence in Southeast Asia, although there are some differences in their theology and practices. This does not have to be the case and there can be a secular absolute monarchy.
Supremacy as a requirement to order
One of the main secular arguments for Absolute Monarchy is that for a society to have order and security, it must have power that stems from one absolute body and that body should be the monarch.
Monarch is the state
The positive acts of the exercise of powers (legislation, administration and jurisdiction) were supported by the last decision-making authority, the monarchy . All the powers of the state emanated from the monarch, being not above but below it. This made the king the state.
Subject to reason
Although the king's authority is subject to reason , and ultimately justified by the common good , the existence of any external limit or any type of question to his decisions is explicitly denied; in a similar way to how parental authority is exercised by the paterfamilias (the king as " father " of his " subjects " - paternalism -). Such justifications in fact impose the unlimited nature of the exercise of power by the king: any abuse can be understood as a necessity imposed by reason of State.
Limits to absolutism
The political model of absolute monarchy has as its central feature the concentration of all power in the king without control or limits of any kind. There should be no powers or " intermediate bodies " that would hinder the direct relationship between the king and each of his subjects. Despite these principles, both the material conditions of the time (which make the real existence of a power exercised continuously in an unfathomable territory, without efficient communications - especially in colonial empires , where the laws are obeyed but not fulfill -), such as the incontestable ideological, economic and social power of the Church and the survival of the seigneurial regime and particularistic customs and institutions (internal customs, multiplicity of languages, currencies, weights and measures, regional privileges , Courts of the different kingdoms peninsular parliaments in Spain, judicial Parliaments in France, Parliament in England), determined that, in fact, the power of absolute kings had limits; whether or not they were expressed explicitly.
In legal terms, the limitations to absolutism are three:
- The divine law , to which the king, like all Christians, is subject.
- The parts of the Law that cannot be the subject of legislation by the king, but are considered natural law and are determined by theoretical speculation by jurists, such as the law of nations , which regulates both the rights of foreign peoples, to which the king has to abide when entering into international relations (even in the event of war); or certain questions of private law of internal validity, such as questions relating to property , inheritance , mayorazgo , etc. Those that are linked to the direct exercise of government were displaced by the monarchs in the process of consolidating absolutism, such as the recourse to courts or parliaments for the definition of certain measures (in France the States General stopped being cited in 1614, and They only met again in 1789).
- The fundamental laws of the Kingdom: a set of norms relating to the foundation of the State that do not depend on the will of the king, but are based on tradition , on a kind of " historical Constitution " (whose widespread recognition will later justify the drafting of texts liberal constitutional laws, such as the Constitution of 1812 ). Within these principles, not necessarily written, are:
- The principle of legitimacy , a consequence of the need for a notion of continuity of the State, which, although identified with the person of the king, cannot but be independent of his physical person: when the king dies, the crown must pass to his successor ( which implied complex ritualizations: the double body of the king , proclamations such as The king is dead, long live the king ). The king could not modify the law of succession that he had legitimized himself to access the throne. Despite this, some were changed, such as the Salic law that traditionally governed the French monarchy and, after the arrival of the Bourbons , in the Spanish one.
- The need to establish a regency in cases such as the king's minority or incapacity.
- The principle of religion ; which is not essentially a feature of absolutism. The confessional nature of the State implies that the head of the State has the confession of the State. This was especially true for Catholic monarchies, whether absolute or not. The conversion of Henry IV of France in order to be king gave a clear example ( Paris is worth a mass ). On the contrary, in Germany the Schmalkaldic War had made it impossible to form any type of absolute monarchy (or any type of centralized State); and the opposite principle cuius regio eius religio (the religion of the king is that of the kingdom) was established . In the case of the kingdom of England , the possibility of a Catholic accessing the throne was seen as a threat of absolutism; Therefore, the identification of the king with the head of the Anglican Church was one of the most important features of the parliamentary monarchy .
Difference between ideologies
Totalitarianism
It should not be confused with totalitarianism. In totalitarianism, power is concentrated in the State as an organization, and in turn said State is dominated and managed in all its aspects by a political party ; This in turn imposes on the community a very defined ideology that penetrates all social activities (art, science, economics, behavioral habits). In absolutism there is no "State" per se (and even less a political party) but rather the State is identified with an individual who exercises authority without the need for any ideology; In fact, absolutism is not interested in imposing its control and influence over all aspects of social life, but rather it is enough to establish an all-embracing authority whom the governed must only obey and never question.
Difference between Absolute Monarchy and Despotism
According to Montesquieu, the difference between absolute monarchy and despotism is that in the case of the monarchy, a single person governs with absolute power by fixed and established laws, whereas a despot governs by his or her own will and caprice.
Variants
Albania 
- Ahmet Zogu, or Zog I of Albania was the leader of Albania from 1922 to 1939. At age 27, he first served as Albania's youngest ever prime minister (1922–1924), then as president (1925–1928), and finally as king (1928–1939).
He held various ministerial posts in the Albanian government before being driven into exile in June 1924, but returned later in the year with 
Yugoslav and White Russian military support and was subsequently elected prime minister. Zog was elected president in January 1925 and vested with dictatorial powers, with which he enacted major domestic reforms, suppressed civil liberties, and struck an alliance with Benito Mussolini's Italy. In September 1928, Albania was proclaimed a monarchy and he acceded to the throne as Zog I, King of the Albanians.
During his leadership, he implemented fiscal reforms such as 
privatization and established a 
militaristic, 
nationalist and 
traditionalist regime. However, fascist Italy betrayed him, occupying Albania and putting Victor Emmanuel in charge as a figurehead, with the true power being held by fascist collaborations, which were later reorganized into the republican Baili Kombetar.
China 
- Yuan Shikai was a Chinese military and government official who rose to power during the late Qing dynasty and eventually ended the Qing dynasty rule of China in 1912, later becoming the Emperor of China.
He established the first modern army and a more efficient provincial government in North China during the last years of the 
Qing dynasty before forcing the abdication of the 
Xuantong Emperor, the last monarch of the Qing dynasty in 1912. Through negotiation, he became the first President of the Republic of China in 1912. This army and bureaucratic control were the foundation of his 
autocratic rule. In 1915 he attempted to 
restore the hereditary monarchy in China, with himself as the Hongxian Emperor.
He first tried to save the dynasty with a number of modernization projects including bureaucratic, fiscal, judicial, educational, and other reforms, despite playing a key part in the failure of the Hundred Days' Reform with others conservative elements.
Personality and Behavior
They may be shown to speak Elizabethan English/Shakespearean English, unless they represent someone outside of England. They emminate a Regal persona but are also very quick to anger if exposed to dissent. He hates feudalism and constitutional monarchy and fights with them frequently. He likens himself to great emperors of old and the champion of civilisation and glory. May be quick to shout OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!
How to Draw
The symbol for Absolute Monarchism is a combination of the color purple, which is a color commonly associated with monarchism as well as a black V-shaped pattern which in the Polcompball community is used to represent authoritarianism in other ideology balls.
- Draw a ball with eyes.
- Draw a "V" shape in black.
- Fill the inside part of the ball purple, and the outside black.
- Add a crown on top (Gold for the crown, and red for the jewels),
And you're done!
| Color Name | HEX | RGB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purple | #B83DBA | 184, 61, 186 | |
| Black | #141414 | 20, 20, 20 | |
| Gold | #FEE400 | 254, 228, 0 | |
| Red | #FF0000 | 255, 0, 0 | |
Relationships
Amicable
Noocracy - Am I not the wisest of philosopher kings?
Monarchism - I loveth thee the way thou art, mine father. Unmixed, whole, personal, & absolute monarchy!
Chinese Theocracy - The wise men of the east knowest my ways.
Autocracy - From the ashes of Rome, my empire shall rise as a phoenix.
Bonapartism - perhaps the French Revolution was not that bad after all...
Enlightened Absolutism - My empire shall spread technological advancement and civilization!
Braunism - A contemporary Polish, free market-loving variant of myself.
Neoreactionaryism - A secular contemporary proponent of mine own system and very good student.
Neocameralism - One of his many wise ideas and an interesting system for my Kingdom.
Christian Theocracy - God Himself hath sanctioned my rule! Wait, what dost thou mean 'tis sinful to have a harem of mistresses?
Islamic Theocracy - Had it not been for thee, I wouldst have faded into irrelevance.
Centralism - I have had enough of all these vassals, autonomies, and local laws. The law in this realm is MY law.
Dubious
Meritocracy - We oft allow non-nobles to rise to prominence; howe'er, that doth depend on mine feelings.
Stratocracy - Thou hast helped to spread our empire far and wide but thou hast mostly betrayed me for his 
fantasy of power.
Hoppeanism - I know not why thou dost not like me if thou art an anarchist, but I will playeth along, if that doth keep me in power.
Aristocracy - If he followeth mine rules, he is a fine fellow; however, should he revolteth I shall not hesitate to deprive him of his title, wealth, and if possible, life itself.
Integralism - What do you mean i must share power with the clergy?
Anarcho-Monarchism - What e'en is this?
Jacobinism - Louis was great! Thou wert a mistake! Your severed jaw is the crown of Bonaparte!- Republicanism - Thou art a destroyer of kingdoms and a fornicator of mothers!
Feudalism - Crypto-constitutionalist or pro-nobility oligarchist knave! Dost thou not knowest smaller states will bow not to mine?
Leninism - Thou wert a failure from the beginning. Thou hast only prolonged thy death.
Juche - I AM NOT THEE, WE ARE NOT THE SAME, WE ARE DIFF'RENT!
Parliamentarianism - BLOODY REGICIDE!!! The King's right to rule is given by God! How darest thou oppose him!
Constitutional Monarchism - Pathetic. Thou seriously want plebs to have some power?
Ceremonial Monarchism - 'TIS NOT A MONARCHY, 'TIS AN ABOMINATION!!! THOU ART MOST DISTEMPERATE!!
Liberalism - What are these equal rights thou dost speak of?
Marxism–Leninism - How darest thou replace me in Russia?
National Liberalism - The 19th century patriotic movements were quite terrible.
Tridemism - HA HA Chinese Empire go... Wait, NOT MY GLORIOUS EMPIRE!!! STOP DESTROYING IT!!!
Anti-Authoritarianism - "Down with the monarchy", thou say? Oh no, thou dost not.
Illegalism - TO THE DUNGEONS WITH THEE, CRIMINAL SCUM!
Insurrectionary Anarchism - I WILL HAVE YOU HUNG, DRAWN AND QUARTERED YOU WRETCHED SWINE!
Further Information
Literature
- Six Books of Commonwealth by Jean Bodin
- Sixe bookes of politickes or ciuil doctrine by Justus Lipsius
- True Law of Free Monarchies by King James VI and I
- A worthy panegyrick upon monarchy written anonymously
- Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
- De Cive by Thomas Hobbes
- Politics Drawn from Holy Scripture by Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet
- De Monarchia by Dante Alighieri
- Herodotus Govt Debate by Herodotus
- The divine right of kings asserted in general by W.P. Esq.
- The Age Of Absolutism 1660-1815 by Max Beloff
- Absolutism and its discontents : state and society in seventeenth century France and England by Micheal S. Kimmel
- Democracy – The God That Failed: The Economics and Politics of Monarchy, Democracy and Natural Order by Hans-Hermann Hoppe
Wikipedia
- Absolute Monarchy
- Patriarchalism
- Divine Right of Kings
- Mandate of Heaven
- Tsarist Autocracy
- Absolute Monarchy in France
- Politics of Saudi Arabia
Video
- Thomas Hobbes's Argument For Absolute Monarchy by Academic Agent
Online Communities
Gallery
Comics
| Monarchists - We wuz kangz but literal this time
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| Main
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Monarchism •  Matriarchal Monarchism •  Monarcho-Fascism •  Monarcho-Capitalism •  Monarcho-Socialism
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|---|---|
 Semi-Constitutional
|
Ceremonial Monarchism • Constitutional Monarchism •  Anarcho-Monarchism
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 Absolute
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Absolute Monarchism •  Neocameralism
|
 Enlightenment
|
|
 Self-Insert
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 Quarkism •  Neocarlism •  Revolutionary Monarchism
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| Pre-Enlightenment Ideologies - The 1950s? Life was better in the 1500s.
| |
| Main Ideologies | |
|---|---|
| Sub-Ideologies | |
| Schools of Thought | |
| Regional Variants | |
pl:Monarchia_absolutna tr:Mutlak Monarşizm zh:绝对君主制
Notes
- ↑ For most historical absolute monarchies, there usually existed a claim to the divine right to rule from some deity(ies).
- ↑ Here's how Louis XIV's rule can be considered corporatist: Centralized Authority: Louis XIV was a proponent of absolute monarchy, which meant that he centralized authority in his own hands and exerted control over various institutions and social groups. In a corporatist framework, a strong central authority plays a significant role in organizing and regulating various sectors of society. Economic Regulation: The Sun King employed mercantilist policies that aimed to increase France's economic power and wealth. These policies involved close collaboration between the state and various industries, which is a characteristic of corporatism. The state regulated trade, manufacturing, and commerce to achieve economic goals, often using guilds and other associations to facilitate this regulation. Control Over Nobility: Louis XIV significantly reduced the power and independence of the French nobility, who traditionally held significant political and economic influence. By requiring the nobility to reside at his palace at Versailles, he could monitor their activities more closely, making the aristocracy more subservient to the monarchy. This kind of centralization aligns with corporatist principles of subordinating societal groups to the state. Patronage and State Bureaucracy: Louis XIV expanded the state bureaucracy, and he relied heavily on appointing loyal bureaucrats to administer the state. This system of patronage and centralized administration is somewhat reminiscent of corporatist systems, where the state plays a significant role in managing various aspects of society, including the economy and public administration. State Support for the Arts and Culture: The Sun King was a patron of the arts and played a significant role in the cultural and artistic life of France. He established the French Academy and supported various artists and writers. This level of state support for culture can be seen as an example of the state involving itself in societal activities, another feature of corporatism.
- ↑ There is a debate as to whether Qin Shi Huang abolished or founded feudalism.
- ↑ There is a debate as to whether Qin Shi Huang abolished or founded feudalism.
- ↑ Ivan restricted the peasants right to movement, laying the foundations for Serfdom