Divine Right Theory

The Divine Right Theory is a political and religious doctrine that asserts monarchs derive their authority directly from God, not from the consent of the people. According to this theory, a king or queen is considered God's appointed ruler on Earth, making their power absolute and unquestionable. Consequently, any challenge to their rule is seen as a challenge to divine will. This belief was common in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Ancien Régime, reinforcing the idea that rulers had a sacred duty to govern, which often justified oppressive governance and limited political change.