Age of Absolutism and Constitutionalism

Definition

The Age of Absolutism and Constitutionalism refers to a period from the late 16th century to the 18th century, characterized by the struggle between absolute monarchies, which centralized power in the hands of a single ruler, and the rise of constitutional governments that sought to limit that power through laws and representative institutions. This era was marked by significant political developments in Europe, where countries like France and England represented two distinct paths of governance—one leaning towards autocratic rule and the other towards constitutional frameworks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Age of Absolutism saw rulers like Louis XIV of France epitomizing the divine right of kings, consolidating power and ruling with an iron fist.
2. In contrast, constitutionalism emerged in England after events like the Glorious Revolution, leading to a constitutional monarchy where Parliament held significant power.
3. Key thinkers such as John Locke promoted ideas of government based on consent and natural rights, which influenced constitutional developments in England and beyond.
4. Conflicts like the English Civil War (1642-1651) highlighted the tension between absolutist rulers and constitutionalist principles, ultimately leading to a shift towards parliamentary governance.
5. The Age of Absolutism laid the groundwork for future political ideologies, including liberalism and democracy, as societies began to question absolute authority and seek representation.

Review Questions

• How did the concepts of divine right and absolute monarchy shape the political landscape during the Age of Absolutism?
  • The concepts of divine right and absolute monarchy shaped the political landscape by legitimizing the unchecked power of monarchs who believed their authority was ordained by God. This led to rulers like Louis XIV centralizing control and suppressing dissent. Such dominance often resulted in conflicts with emerging constitutional movements that argued for checks on royal power, ultimately laying the foundation for modern governance.
• Evaluate the impact of the English Civil War on the transition from absolutism to constitutionalism in England.
  • The English Civil War significantly impacted England's transition from absolutism to constitutionalism by challenging the divine right of kings and highlighting the need for a system of governance that represented the will of the people. The conflict resulted in temporary abolition of the monarchy and paved the way for constitutional changes following the Restoration. Ultimately, it demonstrated that royal authority could be contested and led to greater parliamentary power as a permanent feature of British governance.
• Analyze how Enlightenment thinkers contributed to the ideological foundations of constitutionalism during the Age of Absolutism.
  • Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu played crucial roles in shaping the ideological foundations of constitutionalism by advocating for principles such as government by consent, separation of powers, and individual rights. Their writings challenged traditional absolutist views, arguing for accountability and limits on government authority. These ideas became instrumental during revolutions and reform movements across Europe, influencing nations to adopt more democratic frameworks that curtailed absolute rule.

Related terms

Divine Right of Kings: A political doctrine that asserts a monarch's legitimacy is derived directly from God, granting them absolute authority over their subjects.

Parliamentary Sovereignty: The principle that Parliament has the supreme legal authority and can create or end any law, reflecting the shift towards constitutional governance.

Social Contract: A philosophical concept suggesting that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some freedoms in exchange for societal protection and governance.