Final answer:
The system of government where the king had total power in Europe is known as absolute monarchy. Examples include France under Louis XIV, who consolidated power almost entirely around his persona, embodying the concept of ruling through divine right.
Step-by-step explanation:
Popular throughout Europe, absolute monarchy was a system of government in which the king had total power. This authoritative system emerged amid the power vacuum left after the fall of the Roman Empire, characterizing the European political landscape through the Middle Ages and beyond.
The essence of an absolute monarchy is typified by the king's ability to rule by divine right, unchallenged authority to levy taxes, administer justice, and govern without the need to share power with nobles or other governing bodies.
France, under the reign of Louis XIV, known as the 'Sun King', is perhaps the most quintessential example of an absolute monarchy. Louis XIV centralized the government to such an extent that all decisions and power were concentrated around his own person, using art and architecture - through institutions like the Royal Academy of Fine Arts - to further solidify his reign and the idea of divine right of kings.