History glossary
Prince-elector
one of the leading rulers entitled to take part in choosing the King of the Romans.
- Category
- Political office
- Region
- Holy Roman Empire
- Date range
- 1356–1806
What it means
The prince-electors were the small group of ecclesiastical and secular rulers whose votes chose the King of the Romans, the elected ruler expected to hold the imperial dignity. Charles IV’s Golden Bull of 1356 set out seven electors and a majority procedure. The electoral office carried particular political privileges.
