What defines absolutism as a form of government?

Absolutism is characterized by a centralized form of governance where a single ruler possesses complete and unrestricted power over the state. This could mean that the ruler has the authority to make decisions without legal or institutional constraints, leading to a government that is not accountable to anyone else, such as a parliament or constitution. The hallmark of absolutism is the concentration of sovereign power in one individual's hands, often justified by the belief in divine right or other doctrines that support the notion of unquestioned authority.

In this context, the other choices describe forms of government that involve limitations on power. A ruler with limited powers or a leader restricted by a constitution suggests checks and balances or a clear separation of powers, which contradicts the concepts underlying absolutism. Likewise, a democracy consists of elected officials and emphasizes participation and representation, further moving away from the principles of absolutism. A dictatorship without restrictions may share similarities with absolutism, but it is not specifically limited to a monarchic context - hence, the most precise definition related to absolutism's core principles is indeed a government led by a dictator without restrictions.