Once you know how to manage the techs and the unrest an Absolute Monarchy is grand.

The other two have those darned elections and you can only replace one minister at a time.

In the Absolute Monarchy you only need to check when they die…though some times the Monarch can be a real drag.

The only time I had a real problem was with Sweden. I had to change, at least at the time, but it was my first go at an Absolute Monarchy and I don’t remember how I handled the techs.

With Austria I had few problems in keeping the old government and building the total tech tree. It just required a close eye on the techs, the buildings, and the garrisons.

The clamor for reform only happens in regions where there are schools. Some regions can be immerging factions and have a higher likelihood to rebel. You don’t want schools there and keep a good garrison along with watching the buildings. You may end up with a church or pleasure palace in quite a few places but it beats loosing control.