Advanced Placement (AP) World History Practice Exam 2025 - Free AP World History Practice Questions and Study Guide

Absolutism, in the context of political ideology, refers to the belief in absolute principles that govern the state, particularly focusing on the authority of a monarch. This ideology suggests that a sovereign or ruler possesses complete and unrestricted power over their domain, often justified by divine right or an inherent claim to authority. This concept typically implies that the monarch has the authority to make laws, govern the land, and exercise power without any checks or limitations from other governing bodies or institutions.

The other options do not align with the core principles of absolutism. Limited government principles advocate for restrictions on governmental power, which directly contradicts the idea of absolute authority. Collective governance implies shared decision-making and power distribution, which contrasts with the singular authority characteristic of absolutism. The rejection of monarchy completely negates any notion of absolutism, as it is fundamentally rooted in the concept of monarchical power. Thus, the alignment of option C with the fundamental tenets of absolutism justifies its correctness.