Does an absolute monarchy have a big or small government?

To answer this question, it is useful to start with a definition. An absolute monarchy is a type of government in which all power lies with the monarch. The monarch might be a king or queen, but, whatever the case, there are no limits on his or her power.
Because the monarch has absolute power, he or she has no need for a large government. Remember that some of the primary functions of a government include making laws and creating policy. However, in an absolute monarchy, these functions are carried out by the monarch and only the monarch, meaning that a big government is not needed.
An absolute monarchy, therefore, functions as a one person show. He or she creates the laws, dictates the policy, and polices the state. It is for this reason that an absolute monarchy would only require the smallest of governments.