Absolutism and the return of order after 1660

Abstract

The later seventeenth century may be regarded as the period when absolute monarchy reached its classic form. It was in effect the ‘normal’ type of government in Europe for the next century or more. Yet there are relatively few formal statements of constitutional law dating from the period. In 1683, however, the Danish crown promulgated a substantial law code, Danske Lov, whose very first article made clear that the monarch:

alone has supreme authority to draw up laws and ordinances according to his will and pleasure, and to elaborate, change, extend, delimit and even entirely annul laws previously promulgated by himself or his ancestors. He can likewise exempt from the letter of the law whatsoever or whomsoever he wishes. He alone has supreme power and authority to appoint or dismiss at will all officials regardless of their rank, name or title; thus offices and functions of all kinds must derive their authority from the absolute power of the King. He has sole supreme authority over the entire clergy, from the highest to the lowest, in order to regulate church functions and divine service. He orders or prohibits as he sees fit all meetings and assemblies on religious affairs, in accordance with the word of God and the Augsburg Confession. He alone has the right to arm his subjects, to conduct war, and to conclude or abrogate alliances with whomever he wishes at any time.