What is the difference between divine right and absolute monarchies?
Are absolute monarchies more developed, and divine right isn't?
Many absolute monarchs believe they have divine right to be the monarch. These are not interchangeable terms.
http://www.answers.com/topic/divine-right-of-kings
http://www.answers.com/topic/absolute-monarchy
Thank you, What about constitutional monarchs?
Read the second linked information carefully. Constitutional monarchy is described there.
To understand the difference between divine right and absolute monarchies, it's important to know what each term refers to.
1. Divine Right: Divine right is a political theory often associated with monarchy. It suggests that a monarch's authority comes directly from a higher power, such as God, and they are accountable only to that power. The concept of divine right implies that rulers are chosen by divine intervention and therefore have a legitimate right to rule. This theory was prevalent in various historical periods, notably during the European Middle Ages.
2. Absolute Monarchy: Absolute monarchy, on the other hand, is a form of government where a single individual, typically a king or queen, holds complete and unrestricted power over the state and its people. Unlike divine right, absolute monarchy does not necessarily involve claims of authority directly derived from a higher power. Instead, it concentrates power in the hands of an individual ruler, who can exercise authority without any limitation imposed by law, constitution, or other governing bodies.
Regarding the development of these systems, it is important to note that neither divine right nor absolute monarchy implies a particular level of societal or economic development. Both can exist in different historical contexts and regions, regardless of how advanced or developed a society is.
Historically, absolute monarchies have been observed in both developed and less-developed societies. Examples of absolute monarchies include the reign of Louis XIV in France and the rule of Peter the Great in Russia. While divine right was often used as a justification for absolute rule, it does not inherently determine the level of development or progress of a society.
In summary, divine right and absolute monarchy are distinct concepts within the realm of monarchical rule. Absolute monarchy refers to the concentration of power in the hands of a single monarch without limitations, while divine right implies legitimacy derived from a higher power. The presence of either system does not inherently imply a particular level of societal development.