“Absolutist monarchs had few limits on the exercise of their power.” With reference to two absolutist monarchs, to what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of statement that absolutist monarchs had few limits on the exercise of his and/or her power. Candidates must focus on any two absolutist monarchs, from a single country at different times or from two different countries at the same or at different times. Candidates may take a comparative approach or discuss each monarch separately. Limits could be the problems of effectively controlling a large territory due to poor transport and communications. The need to raise taxes often led to compromise by absolutist monarchs. In support of the assertion, there may be reference to the Divine Right of Kings, the power that control of patronage gave, or the role of standing armies. There may be some discussion of the fact that absolutist monarchs provided stability and the extent of their power was regarded as acceptable for this reason.