Political absolutism

Absolutism is a political theory which argues that one person (generally, a monarch) should hold all power. This is often referred to as the "Divine Right of Kings", implying that a ruler's authority stems directly from God. Prominent theorists associated with absolutism include Augustine of Hippo, Paul of Tarsus, Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet, and Thomas Hobbes.

Absolutist Monarchs

• Louis XIV of France
• Catherine I and Peter I of Russia
• Frederick Wilhelm I of Prussia
• Charles XI and Charles XII of Sweden
• kings of Denmark (with Norway) 1665-1848 (though some of them enlightened)