The Little Big Man before the Queen

Statehood ideas and the communication of a state official with the ruler and high-profile politicians during the major state reforms of the Hapsburg lands in the mid-18th century

Abstract

The theory of the principle and functioning of the state developed fully in the first half of the 18th century. The paradigms of the freedom of man, the natural or divine law and the nature of the ruler’s power also formed occasional pastimes for a high state official, Franc Henrik Baron Raigersfeld (1697–1760). He was a mercantilist, a supporter of Enlightened Absolutism, and shared responsibility to as well as loyalty between the ruler and his subjects. He believed in the considerate ruler but not in Charles Montesquieu’s separation of power into three types. Raigersfeld’s ideas were based on his personal experience in public administration and his communication with Empress Maria Theresa and the ministers.