ABSOLUTISM Meaning and
Definition
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Absolutism refers to a political theory or system in which all power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual, such as a monarch or ruler, or a small group of individuals who exercise unlimited and unrestrained authority. This form of government emphasizes the total control and dominance of the ruling entity over all aspects of society, including politics, law, economy, and culture.
In an absolutist system, the ruler possesses supreme authority and is generally not subject to any legal or political limitations, allowing them to make decisions and issue commands without any checks or balances. The concept of absolutism is rooted in the principle of divine right, according to which the monarch is believed to derive their authority directly from God and is accountable solely to divine law.
Absolutism often entails a strong centralized government with a hierarchical structure, where power cascades from the ruler to lower levels of administration. It is characterized by a lack of constitutional limitations, parliamentary institutions, or separation of powers. This concentration of power can lead to autocratic rule and can be susceptible to abuses, corruption, and the erosion of civil liberties.
Historically, absolutist regimes were prevalent in Europe during the 16th to 18th centuries, with notable examples in countries like France, Russia, and Prussia. However, as societies evolved towards more democratic principles, absolutism gradually declined and gave way to constitutional monarchies or republics, where power is shared and limited by constitutional frameworks.
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Etymology of ABSOLUTISM
The word "absolutism" originates from the Latin term "absolutus", which means "to set free" or "to loosen". It has its roots in the Latin prefix "ab-", meaning "away" or "from", and the verb "solvere", which means "to loosen" or "to release". Over time, "absolutus" came to be associated with the concept of unlimited power or authority, leading to the development of the term "absolutism" in the late 18th century to refer to a form of governing in which a ruler possesses unrestrained power and control.
Similar spelling words for ABSOLUTISM
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