Compare and contrast the absolute rule in France, Russia and Prussia

Absolute monarchy (or absolutism as doctrine) is a form of monarchy in which the monarch holds supreme autocratic authority, basically free from any earthly authority, even if usually restricted by custom and religious moral, from which he/she often receives legitimacy (divine right of kings in Christianity). These are often hereditary monarchies. In contrast, in constitutional monarchies, the head of state's authority derives from or is legally bound or restricted by a constitution or legislature.