There are certain key characteristics of absolute monarchy, common to absolute monarchies across the world:
Central to the concept of absolute monarchy is the belief in the divine right of kings. This doctrine asserts that monarchs derive their authority directly from a higher power, typically justified by claims of a divine mandate or a religious connection. This divine sanction elevates the monarch to a position beyond earthly challenge, legitimizing their rule as sacred and ordained.
A defining feature of absolute monarchy is the concentration of power within the hands of the monarch. Unlike decentralized systems where authority may be distributed among various branches of government, absolute monarchs wield both executive and legislative powers. They can make decisions unilaterally and without the need for parliamentary approval.
In absolute monarchies, the legal and judicial systems are extensions of the monarch's will. The ruler has the authority to enact, interpret, and enforce laws without constraint. This control over legal matters ensures that the monarch's decrees are implemented without impediment, reinforcing their absolute authority.
Absolute monarchies diminish the influence of traditional power structures such as aristocracy, representative assemblies, or advisory councils. The power of these institutions is ultimately derived from and contingent upon the favor of the monarch. They serve more as consultative bodies than true checks and balances on the absolute power wielded by the ruler.