Which historical perspective views rulers as chosen by a divine power?

The perspective that views rulers as chosen by a divine power is known as the divine right theory. This theory asserts that monarchs derive their authority directly from God, and therefore, their right to rule is unquestionable and absolute. Under this belief system, any challenge to the monarch's authority is considered a challenge to God himself. This idea was prevalent in many monarchies throughout history, particularly in Europe during the Middle Ages and into the early modern period.

Divine right theory not only justified a ruler's power but also reinforced social hierarchies that placed monarchs at the top of the political structure. This understanding of power and authority shapes how governments were organized historically and explains the resistance to forms of governance that advocate for popular sovereignty or democratic principles.

In contrast, the other theories mentioned—force theory, social contract theory, and evolutionary theory—offer different explanations for the origins and legitimacy of power or governance. Force theory emphasizes control and coercion, social contract theory focuses on the mutual agreements among individuals to form societies, and evolutionary theory regards political structures as natural progressions arising from familial or tribal units. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why divine right theory stands as a unique perspective in the history of political thought.