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Description
Originally a hereditary autocracy under the Carolingian dynasty, the Kingdom of Germany (which formed the bulk of the Holy Roman Empire) gradually evolved into an elective monarchy, wherein the chief ecclesiastical and secular Prince-electors chose a prospective Emperor. The Emperor-elect thereafter assumed the title Romanorum Rex ("King of the Romans"), and only gained the Imperial title upon his coronation by the Pope.

Candidates for the kingship were at first the heads of the Germanic stem duchies. As these units broke up, rulers of smaller principalities and even non-Germanic rulers were considered for the position. The only requirements generally observed were that the candidate be an adult male, a Catholic Christian, and not in holy orders.

Originally all noblemen present could vote by unanimous acclamation, but later a franchise was granted to only the most eminent bishops and noblemen, and according to the Golden Bull of 1356 issued by Emperor Charles IV only the seven Prince-electors had the right to participate in a majority voting:

Ecclesiastical princes
1. Archbishop of Mainz
2. Archbishop of Cologne
3. Archbishop of Trier

Secular princes
4. King of Bohemia
5. Count Palatine of the Rhine
6. Duke of Saxony-Wittenberg
7. Margrave of Brandenberg

The event depicted above is the election of Ludwig IV Wittelsbach (r. AD 1314–1347) as King of the Romans.

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In summary: there are few things in this world more frightening than a crowd of hysterically-laughing Germans. Thanks, Arthur. Thanks a bunch...

Description
Originally a hereditary autocracy under the Carolingian dynasty, the Kingdom of Germany (which formed the bulk of the Holy Roman Empire) gradually evolved into an elective monarchy, wherein the chief ecclesiastical and secular Prince-electors chose a prospective Emperor. The Emperor-elect thereafter assumed the title Romanorum Rex ("King of the Romans"), and only gained the Imperial title upon his coronation by the Pope.

Candidates for the kingship were at first the heads of the Germanic stem duchies. As these units broke up, rulers of smaller principalities and even non-Germanic rulers were considered for the position. The only requirements generally observed were that the candidate be an adult male, a Catholic Christian, and not in holy orders.

Originally all noblemen present could vote by unanimous acclamation, but later a franchise was granted to only the most eminent bishops and noblemen, and according to the Golden Bull of 1356 issued by Emperor Charles IV only the seven Prince-electors had the right to participate in a majority voting:

Ecclesiastical princes
1. Archbishop of Mainz
2. Archbishop of Cologne
3. Archbishop of Trier

Secular princes
4. King of Bohemia
5. Count Palatine of the Rhine
6. Duke of Saxony-Wittenberg
7. Margrave of Brandenberg

The event depicted above is the election of Ludwig IV Wittelsbach (r. AD 1314–1347) as King of the Romans.

---

In summary: there are few things in this world more frightening than a crowd of hysterically-laughing Germans. Thanks, Arthur. Thanks a bunch...