Absolute Monarchy

Absolute monarchy^[1][2] (or absolutism as doctrine) is a form of monarchy in which the monarch holds supreme autocratic authority, basically free from any earthly authority, even if usually restricted by custom and religious moral, from which they often receive legitimacy (divine right of kings in Christianity).^[3] These are often hereditary monarchies. In contrast, in constitutional monarchies, the head of state's authority derives from or is legally bound or restricted by a constitution or legislature.^[4]

The popularity of the notion of absolute monarchy declined substantially after the French Revolution, which promoted theories of government based on popular sovereignty.

Some monarchies have a weak or symbolic legislature and other governmental bodies which the monarch can alter or dissolve at will. Countries where monarchs still maintain absolute power are: Brunei, Eswatini, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Vatican City and the individual emirates composing the United Arab Emirates, which itself is a federation of such monarchies – a federal monarchy.^[