Absolute monarchy

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Types of government
Louis XIV of France, whose comment "I am the state" is an important statement on the topic of absolute monarchies.
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Abrams I of Ikonia, absolute monarch of the Kingdom of Ikonia.

Absolute monarchy is a form of government where most, if not all, legislative, executive, and judicial powers are vested in the reigning monarch, without restrictions from a constitution, law or similar institution. Typically, the ruler of an absolute monarchy has all the power of the state and the courts, although some absolute monarchies may have some degree of devolution, generally feudalism.

Although an absolute monarch generally holds de jure absolute power, most monarchs have only limited power over their nations due to aristocratic influences. Most modern absolute monarchies are in fact constitutional monarchies, with the monarch holding little or no de facto power.

In micronationalism

Micronationally speaking, true absolute monarchies are fairly common. With many micronations attempting to create a nostalgic representation of medieval European or British politics, absolute monarchy is a popular form of government for both leaders and citizens. Most monarchs can feasibly hold absolute power due to a much lower citizenship count, and this is sometimes practiced in some micronations where the official government type is not necessarily absolute monarchy.

Variations

As with many government types, micronations often change certain aspects of ideologies to create their own variations which they regard as suiting them best.

Moralistic absolute monarchy

A moralistic absolute monarchy is a form of government designed and used currently by the Ohio Empire and the Kingdom of Indradhanush. It is based on the idea that a monarch has absolute power, but also that they are responsible for taking care of their people, because they gave their the power to rule and, as a result, can take it away. It gives the monarch ultimate law-making power, but the monarch must also make their decisions based on what they regard as 'morally correct'. If they do not do so, the people have the right to replace the monarch in exchange for a leader who can make what they regard as 'morally correct decisions'. It is a combination of Thomas Hobbs's idea of Absolutism and John Locke's idea of citizens' rights. It is similar to ancient China's Mandate of Heaven.

Democratic absolute monarchy

Democratic absolute monarchy: a system of governance in which the monarch holds complete legislative, executive, and judicial authority, but also incorporates elements of a parliamentary monarchy to promote equality among people. In this system, the monarch may make decisions independently or consult with other members of the government to ensure that all voices are heard in the decision-making process. This system is exemplified by the Kingdom of Blazdonia.

Micronational examples

Current absolute monarchies

Former absolute monarchies

See also