Question

What is the concept of absolutism?

Answer 1

The belief that total and absolute power should be put in the hands of the government or one ruler

Answer 2

According to the concept of absolutism, all government power is to be put in the hands of a sole ruler.  

In promoting the theory of absolutism, French bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet  (1627-1704), who was court preacher to King Louis XIV of France, said: "Monarchy is sacred, it is paternal, it is absolute. The royal throne is not that of a man but the throne of God himself."  Louis XIV is known in history for developing an absolutist approach to the monarchy in France.  Known as "The Sun King" because all of France's activity was to revolve around him, Louis XIV did not share his power with others.  The Estates-General, which was France's gathering of delegates from the various classes of society, was never called to meet during Louis XIV's reign.  The king's word was to be the final word on all things.