Final answer:
The Divine Right of Kings is the belief that monarchs derive their authority from God, making them accountable only to divine judgement, not earthly powers or laws. This belief underpinned medieval concepts of monarchy and the absolutist rule of kings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Divine Right of Kings
The belief that kings received their authority from God and could not be held accountable by their citizens or any group of lawmakers is known as the Divine Right of Kings. This doctrine asserts that a monarch is beyond earthly authority, deriving the right to rule directly from God, making the king answerable only to God. As a result, any attempt to depose or limit his power is considered against God's will.
Impact on Political Theory
This idea was prominent in medieval Europe and led to the concept of absolute monarchies, where kings had immense power over their subjects, proclaiming laws and policies without the need to consult others. The Divine Right also influenced the relationships between the church and the monarchy, with varying degrees of control over religious appointments and power dynamics.
While monarchies today might not all subscribe to the Divine Right theory, this concept has had a lasting impact on the development of political systems and governance throughout history.