What term describes the belief that monarchs derive their right to rule directly from God?

The belief that monarchs derive their right to govern directly from God is known as the Divine Right of Kings. This concept asserts that a monarch is subject to no earthly authority, deriving the right to rule from divine authority. The idea promotes the notion that the king or queen's authority is justified through a divine mandate, often reinforcing the legitimacy of their power and discouraging challenges to their rule.

This belief played a significant role in the political landscape of medieval Europe, where kings were often seen as God's representatives, chosen to lead and maintain order on His behalf. The Divine Right of Kings contributed to the justification of absolute monarchy, where a ruler’s decisions were considered beyond reproach, as they were believed to be inspired by divine will.

Other terms such as "tabula rasa" relate to the idea of a blank slate in human understanding, while "social contract" refers to the theoretical agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules. "Natural rights" pertains to inherent rights believed to be granted to all individuals, independent of any government intervention. None of these terms captures the specific theological and political implications associated with the Divine Right of Kings.