...Compare and contrast the theories and practice of absolutism and constitutional monarchy during the 17th century. The seventeenth century saw the evolution of two new types of government mainly because of the instability that was caused by religious wars. One type of government was a constitutional monarchy in which rulers were confined to the laws of the state, giving the people some liberties, best exemplified by William and Mary during the Stuart monarchial rule. Constitutional monarchy was successful in mainly in England because of the Magna Carta, which kept the king’s power in check. The other type was absolute monarchy, in which the king has power over everything, shown by the French under Louis XIV. Although these two different types of monarchies had some similarities, ultimately the constitutional monarchies were more successful because they allowed civilians to have more freedoms in everyday life and made the government less prone to rebellion. Though the systems of government differed in monarchial power, there were many similarities. Both constitutional and absolute monarchies were headed by single rulers, which allowed for some sort of corruption through their power. Since they usually ruled for life, rulers were able to spend large sums of money for personal gain as shown by Louis XIV with his palace of Versailles. To be effective, monarchs had to find ways to control the treasury, maintain a standing army, control religious protests, and expand a...
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...A monarchy is a form of government in which sovereignty is actually or nominally embodied in a single individual (the monarch). [1] Forms of monarchy differ widely based on the level of legal autonomy the monarch holds in governance, the method of selection of the monarch, and any predetermined limits on the length of their tenure. When the monarch has no or few legal restraints in state and political matters, it is called an absolute monarchy and is a form of autocracy. Cases in which the monarch's discretion is formally limited (most common today) are called constitutional monarchies. In hereditary monarchies, the office is passed through inheritance within a family group, whereas elective monarchies are selected by some system of voting. Historically these systems are most commonly combined, either formally or informally, in some manner. (For instance, in some elected monarchies only those of certain pedigrees are considered eligible, whereas many hereditary monarchies have legal requirements regarding the religion, age, gender, mental capacity, and other factors that act both as de facto elections and to create situations of rival claimants whose legitimacy is subject to effective election.) Finally, there are situations in which the expiration of a monarch’s reign is set based either on the calendar or on the achievement of certain goals (repulse of invasion, for instance.) The effect of historical and geographic difference along each of these three axes is to create widely...
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...William Saroyan once said, “Good people are good because they’ve come to wisdom through failure”. This means as people fail overtime wisdom is gained by a realization of prudence, then one becomes virtuous. I agree because those who go through struggles usually learn from it and their wisdom expands. This is an accurate assessment and is evident in the novel “Hamlet” by Shakespeare. For the purpose, of revenge we see Hamlet the protagonist who takes advantage of his insanity, to get revenge on his father’s murderer. With this intention, Hamlet encounters many obstacles throughout the play. On the other hand, Ophelia is a victim that has been used by her father for reputation. Until, Laertes appear we are able to discover Ophelia’s true wisdom after all of her sufferings and experiences. This is also evident in the novel “The Little Prince” by Antoine De Saint-Exupery. Due to, The Little Prince insecurity of narrow mindedness. Given that, he is unable to detect his own narrow mindedness, about what it means to be human. .Couple with, The Little Prince’s journey is The Pilot, who finds a purpose in companionship to refrain loneliness and sorrow. Through the use of characterization and conflict, both works of literature demonstrate growth from failure. In both, The Little Prince and Hamlet, readers learn that characters are virtuous because they’ve had to work through difficulties, they learned about themselves and also about what it means to be human. Hamlet has...
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...Critically assess the virtues and shortcomings of Britain’s ‘un-codified’ Constitution Britain are one of the few countries in the world that still posses and un-codified constitution, other states that posses un-codified constitutions are New Zealand and Israel. A constitution is a set of rules which guidelines what the people of the nation and the government have the rights to do, these rules or guidelines are normally printed in one sovereign place. An un-codified constitution differs from this as is not one sovereign book or piece of writing that outlines the rules of the state. This short answer will assess the strengths and weakness of Britain having an un-codified constitution. The first strength to consider is the fact that our un-codified constitution is more flexible then a codified constitution. Many nations find it difficult to pass legislation because the constitution holds the government accountable and protects the individuals. Example of this could be after terrorist attacks Britain was able to quickly pass legislation detaining terror suspects for longer period of time, where as other nations constitutions protected the individuals liberties and prevented their governments from detaining suspects for long periods of time. From the first argument we can see that flexibility is a strength of an un-codified constitution, however it can also be a weakness. Without the codified constitution there is no checks on the government other then the opposition, a...
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...Constitutional Monarchy When you’re starting a government you want a strong but fair government that also makes the people in the country to have an option on how to run the country they live in. The reason why I choose a constitutional monarchy gives the people the rights of a democracy but is also has a royal family that doesn’t change and is the face of that country. There are a couple of changes that I would make to improve the way it is set up. There has to be ground rules for the type of government to be really effective. This government structure must have either a bill of rights or a constitution on what powers each person in this government will have and how much power the monarch will have. This system would allow the monarch to serve as head of its government and the monarch will represent the country. When you have a constitutional monarch the king and queen they would be the ones who travel to different countries and help with the relationship with other countries. They will have a more effect on other counties because they have more power than a secretary of state would because they represent the country instead of representing a president of a country who was elected. The Monarch would save money on election because the king or queen would be the ones to represent the country for life or until they can do the job and their succors would be a person in their family to carry on their legacy. The constitutional monarch will have elected officials to run the...
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...such as an inspiration to recruit more people and an inspiration for a new government when they succeed. Constitutionalism would have allowed the taxpayers to discuss having to work and pay taxes while the wealthier in the state did not. These ideas of constitutionalism combining with absolutism helped create the issue that resulted in the French revolution. The combination of both types of government did not make a strong, centralized country as they did individually which is not only present in France’s history but in England and Spain also. One of the classes will use ideas from the other type of government as a measure to gain more power in the government if both ideas are mixed within a country like James I did when trying to be an absolute monarch. ...
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...steady changes of government. The foundations of modern-day democracy can be found in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, with the popularity of enlightenment ideals and the rise of an intellectual community that gave way to a growing criticism of absolute governments. All across Europe and even the Americas, dissatisfaction with the government grew as increased taxes and isolation from the ruling classes led to poverty, and ultimately revolts and disturbances targeted towards the absolute monarchies. In Switzerland and the Austrian Netherlands, urban radicals rejected the authority of Emperor Joseph II in Vienna. The American Revolution began with the colonial elite dissatisfaction with the government in London, while Britain and France had a succession of absolutist leaders who refused to share governing rights. The abuse and misuse of power by absolute monarchs inexorably led to the rise of modern democracy, as evident in the gradual decrease of monarchal power in Britain, and the French and American revolutions. The rise of democracy in Britain was a gradual change in power spanning multiple centuries and royal families. The ideals of democracy can be traced back to the Magna Carta, a charter that notorious absolute monarch King John of England was forced to sign in 1215, which introduced rights such as habeas corpus and the right for nobles to be...
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...ideas to go against the natural loyalty of the citizens to the monarch. To curb future occurrences like these, Metternich propagated for a strong absolutist rule to fulfill the duties imposed and entrusted by God to look over justice and the rights of all citizens and, most importantly, to avoid the previous paths of error. He believed religious principles must be maintained and faith and morality should not be attacked which meant he was against all subversive activities that may endanger the monarchy and religion. In other words, Metternich was against free press which he believed was the cause of political unrest in the society Francis Guizot’s “Conditions of the July Monarchy” advocated for a conservative constitutional monarchy rule as a solution for a long lasting government. He believed the current charter was actually under the old traditional regime and needed to be changed by using the French revolution as a reminder that order and liberty under constitutional monarchy must be established. He supported equality of rights for all citizens in order to maintain civil and moral order as well...
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...Absolutism of monarchs was a very popular trend in the 16th and 17th centuries. Peter the Great, Louis XIV, and the Sultans of the Ottoman empires greatly demonstrated this notion with their complete control over their subjects. This was a revival of this same idea that has existed in the Medieval era with with kings with complete control of several provinces and had knights who defended them. Absolutism was a time of complete tyranny in Europe during this time due to the selfish and vanity of the rulers, the complete dependence on the rulers, and the chaos that resulted in or because of their reign. These absolutist leaders were very prideful putting others down and setting themselves up above them. King James I said "the state of monarchy is the supreme thing upon earth" setting his reign in England above everything else (Doc 2). Some monarchs see their subjects as people who just follow their commands. This allowed for no room to give the monarch advice to help the country if their was another way to help it. Louis XIV of...
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...Max Mayer HIS 102 Prof. McGowen GTF Nick O’Neill Feb 25, 2013 Absolutism Most historians would argue that the years 1660 to 1789 could be summarized as an Age of Absolutism, the period from the Restoration in England and the personal rule of Louis XIV up to the beginning of the French Revolution. Our textbook defines absolutism as “a political arrangement in which one ruler possesses unrivaled power (Western Civilization pg 184). Rulers received their power directly from God – theory of divine right – claiming they were above the law. As a result, absolute monarchs were viewed differently among the individual’s social class; the Noble’s view differed from the every day commoner’s view. Due to the divine right kingship beliefs monarchs receive an endless amount of power. Subjects believed God would only invest the ruler he appointed with powers that resembled his own, therefore any resistant to their monarch was forbidden. In Richard II, subjects look upon the Monarch of England as a godly figure. Throughout the play, King Richard and the Duchess make several references to “sacred blood;” a clear reference to Richard II being appointed by God (divinely appointed). An important nobleman, John of Gaunt, describes Richard II, “God’s is the quarrel; for God’s substitute/ His deputy anointed in his sight”(Shakespeare 13). Richard II is understood to be God’s presence on earth, once again supporting the theory of divine right. Subjects viewed god having two bodies, one present...
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...sadExercise 1 B. Which Field of political science is associated with each of the following items? 1. The influence of geography, population, and resources on a country’s politics. – GEOPOLITICS 2. Actual management of the affairs of the state by the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of government – PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 3. Development of ideas relating to the origin, form, behavior and purposes of the State – POLITICAL THEORY 4. Structure and functions of national and local government units – GOVERNMENT 5. The interplay of societal forces influencing political actions and decisions – POLITICAL DYNAMICS 6. Description and analysis of the similarities and differences among states – COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT 7. Principles governing and regulating the relationship and conduct of states – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 8. The vital role of law-making bodies in rule making – LEGISLATURE 9. The exercise of the regulatory function of government affecting the national economy – GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS 10. Constitutional and legal principles governing governments and individuals as they relate with one another – PUBLIC LAW C. Which image of politics in the Philippines is associated with each of the following? 11. Predetermined decisions and actions of the men and officers of the AFP to influence government decisions - GAME OF THE GENERAL POLITICS 12. Decision-making by Bro. Eraño Manalo and Mike Velarde with important political...
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...The English monarchy differed from other European monarchies during the absolute period. The age of absolutism is a period of time in history when most of Europe was ruled by absolute monarchs. An absolute monarch is a king or a queen with unlimited power. Some advantages of absolutism are quick decision making, good rulers, and an important force of unity. According to an article, “In Absolute Monarchy; the property is protected, industries are encouraged and art is developed. The monarch is like the parent of his subjects. An enlightened monarch can do much good for the people.” Disadvantages of absolutism include; less freedom, little say in government and a potential of tyrants to become leaders. “Since the Monarch stays in office till life, he can implement his policies for a longer time. The Government is stable in a Monarchy and changes do not take place very often. The Age of Absolutism took place around the 1600’s to the 1750’s. This is the period after exploration, providing European nation with overseas empires. Kings began to strengthen their power and become absolute monarchs. At this time there was a lot of external conflict in religion, wars and revolutions. People were desperate for a change and felt that someone powerful would make their communities improve quickly....
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...17th century, different types of government existed in Europe. In France particularly, Louis X1V established and absolutists state where as in England, Elizabeth 1 established a parliamentary form of government. Louis X1V ruled by the divine right of Kings and had absolute control over his kingdom during his reign. Louis believed that he was not subject to earthly authority and that he derived his right to rule directly from God. Similarly, Elizabeth 1 believed that God had entrusted her with a kingdom to defend, a church that she had to lead in a true way and a people that she had to protect from both foreign enemies and themselves. Elizabeth 1 parliamentary government allowed her to rule the people of England at the same time satisfy...
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...However before the idea of absolute power came about, king Philip IV of France defied the pope and strengthened the monarchy. During the decline of the Roman church, Philip IV defied Boniface VIII when he levied a tax on the French clergy and arrested a Bishop. Boniface released a papal bull, Unam Sanctum, but gained little success. Philip IV, who was backed by the people, defied the pope which soon led to the church’s downfall. Later in history, the French kings were able to overcome the church’s demands because of Philip IV. For this reason, king Henry IV was able to separate his reign from the church and prepare the way for absolutism. During his reign he reduced the privileges of the nobility and increased government control over the economy, he justified all of his actions by his divine right. By this he believed that God had given him power and that the king was not bound to man made laws but to God alone. With this justification the French monarchy was able to do as they pleased. As a result, the french kings had not check on their power and there absolutism flourished. King henry was...
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...century. The revolution affected places like the Middle East, India, North America, South America and Europe. There are many theories on what caused the French Revolution. For example, many people thought it was caused by Enlightened philosophers. But they did not cause it. Only some of their ideas were used to shape it. During this time many of their ideas hadn’t been widely spread, so people could not react and start trouble. (Shy - pg. 66) The Revolution was caused by a political crisis two decades after the Enlightenment had reached its high point. (Shy – pg. 66) There was a lot of problems in France at the time like how they were in major debt and facing bankruptcy. They tried to change the government from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, but that just led to more trouble. Riots broke out, which made it harder to try and restore France. It then turned into a democratic based government. The new government was based on political equalities and status from birth. (Shy – pg. 67) This yet again, created more problems in France. There was a stop to treasury payments and they were forced to reform taxes. After deciding that they couldn’t go on like this, the Estates General met to decide how much power the clergy, nobility and the commoners will have. This became known as the Third Estate. The Third Estate agreed on the representatives with the majority of people to have as many votes as the other two combined. After this passed in May of 1789, the government...
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