What is the primary characteristic of Absolutism?

The primary characteristic of Absolutism is the concept of unlimited power held by a single ruler or governing body. This form of government is characterized by the concentration of authority in the hands of one person, such as a monarch or dictator, who has the ability to make and enforce laws without the need for consent from subjects or other governing bodies. Such rulers often justify their authority through divine right or similar doctrines, asserting that their right to rule comes from a higher power rather than from the consent of the governed.

In contrast, decentralized power among multiple rulers indicates a fragmented governance system that contradicts the principle of Absolutism, which seeks to centralize authority. Democratic governance is defined by participation and representation of citizens, starkly opposing the unilateral decision-making characteristic of Absolutism. Lastly, shared authority between church and state suggests a power dynamic that recognizes the influence of religious institutions alongside secular governance, which is not aligned with the principles of Absolutism where one entity dominates political affairs.