From whom did rulers derive their authority in an Absolutist regime?

In an Absolutist regime, rulers derived their authority primarily through the concept of divine right, which posits that monarchs are chosen by God to rule and therefore hold a sacred mandate. This belief justified their absolute power, suggesting that their authority was ordained by a higher power and that they were accountable only to God, rather than to the people or any governing bodies.

The divine right of kings formed a crucial part of the political philosophy during the Age of Absolutism, allowing monarchs to rule without restraint from other institutions, like the church or parliament. This concept played a significant role in reinforcing the legitimacy and permanence of a ruler's claims to power, as challenging the king's authority was seen not only as a political rebellion but as an affront to divine will.

Other sources of authority, such as citizens, military leaders, or foreign powers, do not align with the principles of Absolutism, as the focus is solely on the monarch's divinely sanctioned power. Rulers in these regimes did not rely on popular consent, military backing, or foreign influence to justify their rule; rather, their authority stemmed from the belief that they ruled under God's guidance. This framework helped solidify the absolute nature of their governance, claiming that their