Do Now: Which TWO statements best illustrate the characteristics of an absolute monarchy? Laws limit the power of the hereditary ruler and power is often shared. Ruler is generally a part of a hereditary line. All laws are based on religion and the head of state is also a religious leader. Citizens vote on representatives and have a voice in legislative proceedings.

## Step 1<br />An absolute monarchy is a form of government where the ruler has absolute authority, unrestricted by laws or constitution. The ruler is usually a hereditary ruler, meaning the position is passed down through a family line.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The first statement, "Laws limit the power of the hereditary ruler and power is often shared," does not accurately describe an absolute monarchy. In an absolute monarchy, the ruler's power is not limited by laws or shared with others.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The second statement, "Ruler is generally a part of a hereditary line," is a characteristic of an absolute monarchy. The ruler's position is usually passed down through a family line.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The third statement, "All laws are based on religion and the head of state is also a religious leader," can be a characteristic of an absolute monarchy, but it is not a defining characteristic. Not all absolute monarchies are religious, and not all absolute monarchs are religious leaders.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />The fourth statement, "Citizens vote on representatives and have a voice in legislative proceedings," does not describe an absolute monarchy. This is a characteristic of a democratic republic, not an absolute monarchy.