Absolutism vs Constitutionalism – Difference and Comparison

What is Absolutism?

The term absolutism was developed in 1753 from a theological context. Around the political realm, the term rose to popularity in 1830. The term is derived from the French term “absolutism.” Absolutism is a term that can be counted or uncounted.

Even during the mid-eighteenth century, absolutism referred to the concept of preordination, which asserted that God’s works are absolute. This is also the foundation of the notion of absolute decrees in theology.

Political science has beliefs and practices on arbitrary or absolute governance in the early nineteenth century. Absolutism was a notion in Hegelian philosophy for unconditioned reality.

Absolutism may be used in philosophy. Belief in any metaphysical absolute might also be described as absolutism in the late nineteenth century. The word also has a positive connotation that refers to the condition of being absolute.

Moral absolutism is referred to the hyponyms of absolutism. This may also relate to an era in European history when informed absolutism was prevalent. This era lasted from the 18th to the early 19th centuries.

Absolutism, as a word, can also mean absolute monarchy, which seems to be a concept represented by a dictatorship. The term is also used to denote the notion of abstinence from alcohol. In physics, absolutism, as opposed to relationalism, is known as the absolute theory, that incorporates absolute space.

What is Constitutionalism?

Constitutionalism is a set of behavioral patterns, attitudes, and concepts that expound on the foundations of government authority and the constraints of the body of basic laws.

Various political groups also have constitutionalism, which works to defend individuals’ freedoms and interests through institutionalized power processes.

Constitutionalism has both descriptive and predictive meanings and ramifications. Constitutionalism, as a descriptive term, tends to refer to the battle for acknowledgment of different consents, rights, privileges, and freedoms.

Constitutionalism, in prescriptive use, refers to various qualities and important parts that comprise the Constitution. Prescriptive constitutionalism takes the method of addressing the Constitution as it ought to be.

The distinguishing aspects of constitutionalism also include the definition and prescription of limitations, and also the sources of government authority, which are derived from the basic laws. It is the foundation of a society‘s power system.

It guarantees robust protection for people’s interests, particularly those of social minorities. The term constitutionalism is used rhetorically. It is concerned with the government’s legitimacy.

This has also been attacked by intellectuals such as Murray Rothbard, Jeremy Waldron, and others. They believe that constitutionalism is incapable of guaranteeing rights and reining in governments. Jeremy Waldron even calls it undemocratic.

Difference Between Absolutism and Constitutionalism

1. Absolutism is characterized by a single supreme power or king, whereas constitutionalism is characterized by a decentralized system in which power is distributed among numerous institutions.
2. The ultimate authority under absolutism may immediately collect riches from the public, whereas in constitutionalism, collecting money or finances involves a legal procedure and it can not be done directly.
3. Absolutist regimes maintain a standing army at all times, whereas constitutionalist states mobilize an army only during times of war and turmoil.
4. Absolutism may limit and also restrict mass freedom, but constitutionalism guarantees more freedom and liberty.
5. Absolutism oppresses the poorer classes, but constitutionalism gives equality to all classes and preserves people’s rights.

Comparison Between Absolutism and Constitutionalism