WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -enlightened despotism, also called benevolent despotism, form of government in the 18th century in which absolute monarchs pursued legal, social, and educational reforms inspired by the Enlightenment.

Detailed explanation-2: -Absolutism states that the right of rulers to rule over their kingdom is given by a higher power; that kings are not responsible to any earthly person. Enlightened absolutism states that rulers, however absolute, are given their authority by the people.

Detailed explanation-3: -An enlightened despot, also known as benevolent despot, is a ruler with absolute power (a despot) who embraces Enlightenment ideals, such as the rights and liberties of individuals, and chooses to use their absolute power to better the lives of average citizens.

Detailed explanation-4: -Enlightened despots held that royal power emanated not from divine right but from a social contract whereby a despot was entrusted with the power to govern in lieu of any other governments. In effect, the monarchs of enlightened absolutism strengthened their authority by improving the lives of their subjects.