What did the Declaration of Rhens in 1338 say about imperial elections?

The Declaration of Rhens, issued in 1338 by six electors of the Holy Roman Empire, was a pivotal assertion of imperial autonomy against papal authority.1

In response to Louis IV’s ongoing conflict with the papacy—specifically Pope John XXII’s claim that a king-elect required papal confirmation to rule—the declaration stated that:

• Election by a majority of the electors was legally valid.1
• A king-elect assumed full administrative power immediately upon election.1
• Papal approbation was not required for the king-elect to exercise his authority.1

The declaration framed these points as an "ancient custom of the empire." Under the direction of Louis IV, this principle was subsequently enacted as imperial law at the Diet of Frankfurt, where it was established that any violation of this decree would be considered an act of lèse-majesté (treason).1