ABSTRACT
The controversy surrounding the concept of 'Enlightened Absolutism', its meaning, basis in theory and applicability in practice, has given rise to a mountain of academic literature. Eighteenth-century ideas about the state are well documented and clearly exercised an influence on political action. However, in order to reach a deeper understanding of Frederick, one must attempt to analyse his own words and establish what the Enlightenment and the absolutist system meant to him. In his 1777 treatise, Frederick defends absolute monarchy by claiming that its authority was limited by the existence not merely of representative institutions but also by ministerial power. Frederick's pragmatic approach in religious matters contrasted dramatically with Joseph II's systematic radicalism and stemmed both from tactical calculation and personal indifference. Frederick provided a short and considerably simplified description of the Prussian administrative hierarchy. The absolute monarch's principal roles, according to Frederick, were to be commander of the army and director of foreign policy.
