17th Century Power: Absolute vs Parliamentary Rule

Clientage Networks and Royal Dynasties

A clientage network is a group of dependent people linked by loyalty and favors. Kings considered themselves part of a dynasty, which is a royal family encompassing not only its current members but also past and even future ones. Their objective was to maintain and increase the legacy of their ancestors to pass it to their heirs, as they considered their kingdoms an inheritance.

The Rise of Absolute Monarchies

The difference between dynastic and kingdom interests led to two distinct political situations in the 17th century. In absolute monarchies, kings finally controlled all supreme power. They recognized the different powers inside their kingdoms, but they placed themselves above all of them. They achieved this because:

• All other powers depended on royal incomes, gifts, and posts due to the economic crisis.
• They increased the number of royal officers to better control society, appointing ministers and a Prime Minister to rule the country.
• They used the power of the Church and art to control society and warrant their power.
• They promoted the economic development of their kingdoms through mercantilism, which was also another way of fighting other kingdoms.

The King's Favourite: The Valido

The huge quantity of tasks meant that most of these kings promoted friends or favorites to the highest positions of both their royal administration and house. A king's favorite or valido was a nobleman who had gained huge political power because of his friendship with the king, who trusted him to the point of yielding part of his powers. Validos are the origin of modern Prime Ministers.

The Development of Parliamentary Systems

In contrast, some kingdoms stopped this process and limited the power of their kings. Examples include the Italian republics, the United Provinces, and England. The Parliament of England ejected the Stuart dynasty twice during the century: first during the English Civil War, after which they established a republic, and secondly with the Glorious Revolution.

In these systems, the parliaments (such as the House of Lords and the House of Commons in England) had an important role. The executive branch was required to consult them regarding the most important decisions.