Is absolute monarchy an authoritarian form of government?

Answer 1

It depends on the culture, the nation, and the ruler. For example, if the nation is very small (IE: a small island in an archipelago), then there is little need of a fragmented government system. In a larger nation (IE: France in the 1700s), an absolute monarchy would not work as there are just too many people to rule over without delegation.

Again, it also depends on the ruler itself. A just, compassionate absolute monarch will put his or her people above personal gain. However, this does cause problems when the throne passes to someone else, someone who may not be as good as the previous ruler.

Further answer

It also depends on what powers the monarch has. In today's England the monarch has very little actual power and is largely a figurehead. But in say Henry VIII's day the monarch had very much more power.

It would also depend on the monarch - some were good, some were bad. Just like governments and dictators!

Answer 2

Yes it is