The second paragraph of the excerpt best reflects which characteristic of the governing philosophy of Frederick the Great?

The choice that identifies the best characteristic of Frederick the Great's governing philosophy is that the ultimate decision-making must come from the monarch. Frederick the Great, who ruled Prussia from 1740 to 1786, was known for his strong belief in enlightened absolutism. This ideology emphasized the central role of the monarch in governance while also advocating for rational governance and reforms.

In the context of the second paragraph of the excerpt, if it discusses the authority and decisiveness of the monarch in decision-making processes, it aligns well with Frederick's approach. He believed that a strong, centralized authority was necessary to implement reforms and maintain order within his realm. This highlights his view that, despite being influenced by Enlightenment ideas, the core of political power resided confidently in the hands of the monarch.

Frederick's reign did involve some promotion of legal reforms and improvements in governance, but these were often implemented by him, as he maintained ultimate control over decisions. This reflects the essence of his belief in a strong monarchy, where the monarch’s will was paramount in shaping the state's policies and direction.