Which of the following factors were NOT a characteristic of European absolute monarchies?

European absolute monarchies were characterized by a concentration of power in the hands of a single ruler, often justified by the divine right of kings. In this system, the monarch held absolute authority over the state, and governance was highly centralized.

The absence of popular participation in governance is a key characteristic of these monarchies. Decisions were made unilaterally by the monarch without the need for input from the general populace or representative bodies. This lack of democratic processes or citizen involvement in government decisions underscored the nature of absolute rule.

Conversely, factors such as strong local power, strict social hierarchies, and laws that often derived from the Catholic Church were prevalent in absolute monarchies. Strong local power typically reflected a monarch's delegation of authority to local nobility, who maintained control over regional affairs while ultimately remaining loyal to the king. A rigid social hierarchy was also a defining element, with distinct classes that often dictated one's privileges and rights in society. Lastly, laws derived from the Catholic Church played a significant role in governance during this period, particularly in countries like France and Spain, where the church and state were closely intertwined.

Thus, the correct answer highlights the absence of a system allowing for public engagement or representation in government typical of European absolute