Divine Right of Kings

Definition

The Divine Right of Kings is a political and religious doctrine that asserts a monarch's legitimacy is conferred directly by God, not by any secular authority. This makes the king answerable only to God, not his subjects.

Related terms

Monarchy: A form of government in which a single person holds supreme authority in ruling a country, also known as a monarch, usually for life or until abdication.

Absolutism: A political doctrine asserting that in matters of royal court or governance, the monarch holds absolute power and is not subject to any laws.

Feudalism: A social system prevalent in medieval Europe under which nobles held lands from the Crown in exchange for military service while peasants were obliged to live on their lord's land and give him homage, labor, and share of produce.