The correct answer to this open question is the following.
Rulers of the early modern era differed in their methods of establishing authority in that most of them were absolute monarchs that possessed huge kingdoms due to their conquests and imperialistic ideas.
The early modern era is considered to be from the 15th century to the 18th century and the Age of Enlightenment in Europe. During that period in the history of humanity, Europe was ruled by powerful kings that ruled over many territories in different parts of the world. It was the time of navigation and exploration that made possible the discovery of new routes to India, Africa, and the discovery of the Americas. Kings invested a lot of money in this exploration because it was the way to conquer new lands and exploit their raw materials and natural resources for the benefit of their kingdoms. These Kings -more than leaders- were absolutists that exerted total power over their subjects, who had limited or no rights.
