Alexander S. answered • 01/24/20
Experienced Tutor with Advanced Knowledge of American History
Absolutism refers to the belief that the government should have absolute, centralized authority over its subjects and any aspect of its rule. This authority would not be restricted by things like written laws, legislatures, and customs. Generally, absolutism refers to absolute monarchies with a king or queen as the leader and possessor of authority.
Enlightenment thinkers did not agree with this notion as philosophers like John Locke, Baron de Montesqueiu, Voltaire, and Jean Jacque Rousseau all supported limited forms of government where the central authority could not act in whatever manner they wished, and citizens had a say in how the government operated.
