Divine Right Of Kings And Absolutism Flashcards
What is the Divine Right Of Kings?
The belief that power has been bestowed on a monarch by God. It was believed monarchs were only answerable to God rather than any authority on Earth.
What is absolutism
Total, unquestionable power.
What are the advantages of absolutism?
- Helps assert dominance.
- A direct style of ruling.
- When successful, monarchs take full credit of policies and decisions.
- Allows for strong, decisive leaderships where decisions are made quickly.
What are disadvantages of absolutism?
- Some may think they are selfish.
- Makes him reckless.
- Monarch has to take full ownership when something goes wrong.
- Appear ‘out of touch’ with parliament and populace.
- Parliament is marginalised/ignored.
What problems were caused by James’ absolutist approach?
- James continued to overspend as he believed he was entitled to as monarch.
- James frequently dismissed the government.
- Parliament was unable to persuade James to change his foreign policy.
How much more debt did James put England’s economy in?
£1 million by 1625
Why did James frequently dismiss Parliament?
They did not grant him what he wanted.
Why did the Government want to persuade James to change the foreign policy?
It was unpopular and raised questions of Pseudo-Catholicism as well as his peace with Spain in 1604.
What were James’ two books?
‘The Trew Law of Free monarchies’
‘Basilian Doron’
Why did he write these two accounts?
To teach his son how to rule.
Why did James claim in these accounts?
That Kings were above the law but should rule within the law and that there was a clear difference between a king and a tyrant.
Why did absolutism cause issues for James?
It caused ill-feeling between the Parliament and James.
What did Parliament draw up due to the ill-feeling?
‘A Dorm Of Apology And Satisfaction’
