The Prince-electors (or simply Electors) of the Holy Roman Empire (German: Kurfürst ( listen (help·info)), pl. Kurfürsten, Latin: Princeps Elector) were the members of the electoral college of the Holy Roman Empire, having the function of electing the Holy Roman Emperors.
The heir-apparent to a prince-elector was known as an electoral prince (German: Kurprinz). The dignity of Elector was extremely prestigious and second only to King or Emperor, f...
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The Prince-electors (or simply Electors) of the Holy Roman Empire (German: Kurfürst ( listen (help·info)), pl. Kurfürsten, Latin: Princeps Elector) were the members of the electoral college of the Holy Roman Empire, having the function of electing the Holy Roman Emperors.
The heir-apparent to a prince-elector was known as an electoral prince (German: Kurprinz). The dignity of Elector was extremely prestigious and second only to King or Emperor, far exceeding such offices as count, duke and archduke.
The Holy Roman Empire was in theory an elective monarchy, but from the 15th century onwards the electors often merely formalised what was a dynastic succession within the Austrian House of Habsburg, with the title usually passing to the eldest surviving son of the deceased Emperor. Despite this, the office was not legally hereditary, and the heir could not title himself "Emperor" without having been personally elected.
Formally they elected a King of the Romans, who was elected in Germany...
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