Image for Kingdom of Hungary

Kingdom of Hungary

The Kingdom of Hungary, during its period of elective monarchy (from the 11th to the 16th centuries), allowed nobles to select their king rather than inheriting the throne by birthright. This system enabled the nobility to choose a leader who they believed would best serve the kingdom’s interests, which could lead to greater political stability when there was competition for the crown. However, it also resulted in power struggles and conflicts over succession, as competing factions of nobles supported different candidates. Ultimately, this unique approach blended elements of aristocratic influence with royal authority.