How did the absolute monarch maria theresa of austria increase her authority? select all that apply.
a) by reducing the size of the army

b) by curbing the influence of the merchants

c) by expanding the bureaucracy

d) by limiting the power of the church

e) by curbing the power of the nobles

The answer is:  by curbing the power of the nobles and limiting the power of the Church.

By limiting the power of the church, Maria Theresa of Austria can focus on allocating her funds to programs that give direct income such as health or education rather than religious programs.

Curbing the power of the nobles also served her interests since she can win over many officials to work in her favor rather than the nobles.