AP European History
Unit 3 Overview: Absolutism & Constitutionalism
3.1 Context of State Building from 1648-1815
3.2 The English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution
3.3 Continuities and Changes to Economic Practice and Development from 1648-1815
3.4 Economic Development and Mercantilism
3.5 The Dutch Golden Age
3.6 Balance of Power
3.7 Absolutist Approaches to Power
3.8 Comparison in the Age of Absolutism and Constitutionalism

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3.8 Comparison in the Age of Absolutism and Constitutionalism

Verified for the 2025 AP European History exam•Last Updated on April 1, 2025

What’s the Difference?

The Age of Absolutism and the Age of Constitutionalism represent two competing political visions for power and governance in early modern Europe. While absolutism centered authority in the hands of the monarch, constitutionalism distributed power across governing institutions with legal limitations on the monarchy. These two approaches emerged in response to crises of legitimacy, war, and shifting economic structures in the 16th through 18th centuries.

Absolutism

Absolutism refers to a system of government where all sovereign power resides with the monarch, unchecked by legislative bodies or constitutional constraints. Monarchs like Louis XIV of France or Peter the Great of Russia used divine right theory to justify centralized rule. Their goals were to suppress noble dissent, control the military, dominate religious life, and expand their influence abroad.

  • Monarchs held exclusive authority over taxation, lawmaking, and warfare.
  • Nobles were often brought under control through court rituals, service to the crown, or the restructuring of administrative institutions.
  • Religious uniformity was used to promote national unity and suppress dissent (e.g., Louis XIV’s revocation of the Edict of Nantes).

Constitutionalism

In contrast, Constitutionalism developed as a response to unchecked royal power, emphasizing legal limits on authority and representation through parliaments. The best example is England, particularly after the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy under William and Mary.

  • A written or unwritten constitution limited monarchical power.
  • Lawmaking was shared between the monarch and representative bodies like Parliament.
  • Key documents, such as the English Bill of Rights (1689), guaranteed certain rights to citizens and laid the foundation for modern liberal governance.

Philosophical Foundations and Examples

Absolutist rulers drew legitimacy from divine right theorists like Jacques Bossuet, who argued monarchs were chosen by God and should not be challenged. Thomas Hobbes also supported absolutism in his work Leviathan, describing life without a strong sovereign as “nasty, brutish, and short.”

In contrast, constitutionalism was underpinned by thinkers like John Locke, who emphasized natural rights and argued that governments derived their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. His Two Treatises of Government (1689) became foundational to liberal thought in England and later revolutions across Europe and the Americas.

Louis XIV and the Absolutist Model

Louis XIV of France built the Palace of Versailles to weaken the nobility and control their influence, enforced one faith by revoking the Edict of Nantes, and centralized the bureaucracy under the supervision of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, who used mercantilist policies to fund Louis’s wars and grandiose court. Louis was the state—no law, army, or church operated without his will.

England and the Constitutional Alternative

England developed a radically different model. After the execution of Charles I and the failure of Oliver Cromwell’s Protectorate, the Glorious Revolution of 1688 placed William and Mary on the throne. They signed the English Bill of Rights, which limited monarchical power, protected the rights of Parliament, and enshrined trial by jury and habeas corpus. The result was a constitutional monarchy in which Parliament controlled taxation, law-making, and military funding.

England’s government became a partnership between the monarchy and the legislature, setting a precedent for modern representative democracy. Over time, the Prime Minister and Cabinet system emerged, further reducing the personal power of the monarch.

Comparison of Absolutism and Constitutionalism

Government Structure

  • Absolutism centralized power in the monarch, often weakening parliaments or ignoring them altogether. In France, Louis XIV ruled for over 70 years without convening the Estates General.
  • Constitutionalism placed checks on royal power. In England, the monarch ruled in partnership with Parliament, especially after the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution.

Key Difference:

Whereas absolutist monarchs like Louis XIV said, “I am the state,” constitutional governments declared that law was above the king.

Society and Social Mobility

Under absolutist rule, societies remained rigid and hierarchical, with a strong nobility and limited mobility for the lower classes. In France, nobles retained legal privileges, tax exemptions, and high social status, even if political power shifted to the monarchy.

Meanwhile, in constitutional states, the rise of a middle class (bourgeoisie) began to challenge the old feudal structure. In England, merchant and gentry classes gained increasing influence in Parliament and local governance.

  • France (Absolutist): Nobles exempt from taxes; heavy burdens fell on peasants.
  • England (Constitutionalist): Gentry class gained influence through landownership and representation in the House of Commons.

Religion and the State

Absolutist monarchs often enforced religious conformity to strengthen their control. In Catholic France, Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685, expelling Huguenots and promoting one faith under one crown.

In contrast, constitutional monarchies leaned toward religious pluralism and tolerance, especially following civil wars. In England, while the Anglican Church remained official, toleration for dissenters slowly expanded in the 18th century.

  • France: One king, one law, one faith.
  • England: After 1688, toleration acts permitted Protestant dissenters some religious freedoms.

Economic Policy

Absolutist rulers relied heavily on mercantilism—an economic theory emphasizing state control of trade and accumulation of wealth through exports and colonialism. Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Louis XIV’s finance minister, expanded France’s manufacturing base and enforced high tariffs on imports.

  • State-controlled economies benefited the monarchy and military but often hurt peasants and small merchants.

In constitutional states, however, economic policy began to favor free markets and private enterprise. England's government protected property rights, encouraged investment, and became a center of banking and finance.

  • France: Government regulated the economy to enrich the monarchy.
  • England: Parliament protected property rights, promoting early capitalism.

Military Power and Foreign Policy

Absolutist states maintained large standing armies loyal to the monarch. Louis XIV waged nearly continuous wars to expand France’s borders, often at great economic cost. Peter the Great modernized Russia’s army with Western techniques and created a powerful navy from scratch.

By contrast, constitutional governments were more limited in waging war, since they required parliamentary approval for taxes and military funding. This didn’t prevent wars, but it often restrained rulers’ ambitions.

  • Russia and France: Expansionist foreign policies funded by heavy taxation.
  • England: Naval dominance and overseas colonization, but more tied to trade interests than land conquest.

Key Contrasts at a Glance

CategoryAbsolutism (France, Russia)Constitutionalism (England)
Power StructureCentralized in monarchShared between monarch and parliament
ReligionEnforced uniformity (e.g., Catholicism)Gradual religious toleration
EconomyState-controlled, mercantilistCapitalist growth and property protections
Social HierarchyRigid hierarchy, nobles above lawMiddle-class participation through Parliament
Law & RightsLaw made by king; no guaranteed rightsLaw limits king; individual rights recognized

Conclusion: Two Paths Forward

While absolutism and constitutionalism both emerged from the political chaos of the 16th and 17th centuries, they offered fundamentally different visions of governance. Absolutist monarchs like Louis XIV and Peter the Great believed the strength of the state depended on a strong monarch. Constitutionalist reformers in England, however, pushed for a system where power was limited and balanced.

These competing systems not only shaped European history but also laid the groundwork for later revolutions—such as the French and American Revolutions—that challenged the idea of monarchic power altogether.

🎥 Watch: AP European History - Absolutism vs Constitutionalism

Key Terms to Review (23)

Age of Constitutionalism: The Age of Constitutionalism refers to a period during the late 17th and 18th centuries when constitutional government became increasingly popular in Europe, marking a significant shift away from absolute monarchy towards a system that emphasized the rule of law and individual rights. This era was characterized by the establishment of constitutional frameworks that limited the powers of rulers and laid the groundwork for modern democratic governance.
Age of Absolutism: The Age of Absolutism refers to the period in European history during the 16th and 17th centuries when monarchs consolidated power, often claiming divine right to rule, leading to centralized government and diminished power of nobility and other governing bodies. This era saw significant political developments that reshaped European societies and laid the groundwork for future conflicts between absolute rulers and emerging constitutional states.
Capitalist Economy: A capitalist economy is an economic system where private individuals or businesses own capital goods and production is guided by the profit motive. In this system, decisions regarding investment, production, and distribution are determined by the market, and prices are set through competition and supply and demand. The emergence of a capitalist economy was crucial during periods of both absolutism and constitutionalism, as it influenced state policies, social structures, and the balance of power.
Centralized Monarchies: Centralized monarchies are systems of government where a single monarch holds supreme authority over the state, with power concentrated at the center rather than being distributed among local or regional authorities. This political structure emerged prominently during the Age of Absolutism, as rulers sought to consolidate their power and exert control over their kingdoms, shaping the evolution of governance in Europe.
Constitutional Monarchies: Constitutional monarchies are systems of government where a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government, allowing for the existence of a parliamentary system. This form of governance emerged as a reaction to absolute monarchy, emphasizing limited royal authority and the rule of law. The rise of constitutional monarchies marked a shift in political thought, highlighting the importance of individual rights and democratic principles.
Deism: Deism is a philosophical belief that posits the existence of a supreme being who created the universe but does not intervene in its operation or in human affairs. This belief emerged during the Enlightenment, emphasizing reason and observation of the natural world rather than religious dogma. Deism often promoted the idea that moral and ethical principles could be derived from nature and reason, contrasting with traditional religious views that relied on revelation and scripture.
Divine Right of Kings: The Divine Right of Kings is a political doctrine asserting that a monarch's authority comes directly from God, and thus, the king is not subject to any earthly authority. This belief justified the absolute power of kings and reinforced the idea that their rule was ordained by divine will, influencing governance and state building in Europe during key historical periods.
Economy: Economy refers to the system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within a society. It encompasses various aspects like trade, labor, resources, and finance, which can influence political power dynamics and societal structure throughout different historical periods.
Glorious Revolution: The Glorious Revolution was a pivotal event in 1688 that led to the overthrow of King James II of England and the ascension of William III and Mary II to the throne, marking a significant shift towards constitutional monarchy. This peaceful transition of power established parliamentary sovereignty and limited the powers of the monarchy, setting the stage for modern democratic governance in England.
Government Checks and Balances: Government checks and balances refer to the system in which different branches of government have the power to limit each other’s actions, ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful. This concept was particularly significant during the period of Absolutism and Constitutionalism, as it emerged as a response to the absolute power held by monarchs, leading to the establishment of constitutional frameworks that sought to distribute power among various branches, like the executive, legislative, and judicial.
Individual Rights and Freedoms: Individual rights and freedoms refer to the personal liberties and entitlements that protect individuals from government overreach and ensure their ability to participate in society without oppression. This concept is crucial in the context of political development, especially during the shifts from absolute monarchies to constitutional governments, where the rights of citizens were increasingly recognized and codified.
John Locke: John Locke was a 17th-century English philosopher whose ideas on government, individual rights, and the social contract significantly influenced modern political thought. His concepts of natural rights and government by consent laid the groundwork for constitutionalism and challenged absolute monarchies, shaping the Enlightenment and later revolutionary movements.
Louis XIV of France: Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, was the monarch of France from 1643 to 1715, famous for his absolute rule and centralization of power. His reign marked the epitome of absolutism in Europe, as he famously declared, 'L'état, c'est moi' ('I am the state'), emphasizing the idea that the king held all power and authority over the state.
Mercantilism: Mercantilism is an economic theory and practice that emphasizes the importance of accumulating wealth, primarily gold and silver, through a positive balance of trade, especially in finished goods. This concept shaped the policies of European nations during the early modern period, encouraging colonization and competition for resources, which influenced global trade patterns and international relations.
Middle Class: The middle class refers to a social group between the upper class and working class, characterized by a moderate level of income, education, and occupational prestige. This group emerged during the late medieval period and expanded significantly with industrialization, influencing politics, culture, and economics in various eras.
Philip II of Spain: Philip II of Spain was the king who ruled from 1556 to 1598, known for his strong centralized government and efforts to expand Spanish influence across Europe and the Americas. His reign marked a significant period of absolutism, where he exercised immense power while navigating challenges from rival nations and religious conflicts.
Religious Freedom and Tolerance: Religious freedom and tolerance refer to the right of individuals to practice their own religion or beliefs without interference or persecution from the government or other institutions. This concept emerged as a crucial aspect of the relationship between state authority and individual rights, especially during times of religious conflict in Europe. It highlights the shift from religious uniformity enforced by monarchs to a more pluralistic society that acknowledges diverse faiths and encourages peaceful coexistence.
Religion State Control: Religion State Control refers to the practices and policies by which a government regulates and influences religious institutions and beliefs to maintain authority and social order. This concept was especially significant during the Age of Absolutism and Constitutionalism, where monarchs sought to legitimize their power by aligning with specific religious factions, creating a close relationship between state and church. This connection often resulted in the enforcement of religious uniformity, suppression of dissent, and the use of religious institutions to promote loyalty to the state.
Representative Government: Representative government is a political system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. This system emphasizes the importance of popular sovereignty and accountability, allowing individuals to have a voice in governance while entrusting elected officials with the authority to act in their best interests. The emergence of representative government during the Age of Absolutism and Constitutionalism highlights the tension between monarchical power and the growing demand for political participation and civil rights.
Social Hierarchy: Social hierarchy refers to the organization of individuals or groups within a society based on factors like wealth, power, prestige, or social status. This concept illustrates how societies structure themselves, often leading to unequal distributions of resources and opportunities, which plays a critical role in shaping social dynamics and interactions.
Societal Structure: Societal structure refers to the organized patterns of relationships and hierarchies within a society that shape individuals' roles, interactions, and opportunities. This concept is crucial in understanding how power and resources are distributed among different groups, which is evident in the contrasting political systems of absolutism and constitutionalism, as well as the evolving state frameworks in the 18th century.
Two Treatises of Government: The Two Treatises of Government is a work of political philosophy written by John Locke in 1689 that outlines the principles of natural rights and government legitimacy based on the consent of the governed. This text was pivotal in shaping Enlightenment thought, providing a counterpoint to absolute monarchy and laying the groundwork for modern democracy.
William of Orange: William of Orange, also known as William III of England, was a key figure in the late 17th century who played a significant role in the Glorious Revolution, which resulted in the overthrow of King James II. His ascension to the English throne marked a shift toward constitutional monarchy and set the stage for a new balance of power within Europe, establishing parliamentary sovereignty over royal authority.