Final answer:
Most of Europe, including France before the revolution, had an absolute monarchy as the form of government.
Step-by-step explanation:
In most of Europe, including France before the revolution, the prevailing form of government was absolute monarchy. In an absolute monarchy, the king or queen has complete power and authority over the country. They make all the decisions without any limitations or checks from other branches or institutions of government.
An absolute monarchy appeared in Europe as feudalism declined and new nation-states emerged in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. These absolute monarchies were characterized by centralized administrations and professional standing armies.