F. Absolutism and Parliamentarianism

Question 1

1. briefly discuss the evolution of regal power in the period 9th-16th century.

Answer 1

Middle Ages: Feudalism
From 13th century: monarchs strive for conifaction and centralization
From 16th century: monarchs try to rule in an absolute way

Question 2

2. define the concept of absolutism by its characteristics.

Answer 2

• Can’t be overruled
• No limitation in time
• King  supreme legislator and judge
• Extreme centralization of power
• Power of the monarch  one and indivisible  legislative, executive and judiciary power is confided to one person  no separation of powers

Question 3

3. name two older principles on which absolute monarchs base their power.

Answer 3

• Divine right
• Roman State Law

Question 4

4. briefly discuss Louis XIV biographically.

Answer 4

• (1638-1715)
• 5 years old: king of France, but the country was governed by Cardinal Mazarin
  (kind of prime minister)

Question 5

5. explain why Louis XIV is a perfect example of an absolutist monarch.

Answer 5

• 23 years old: Louis takes control himself = start of the myth of the Sun King +
  strives for absolute power with unlimited authority

Question 6

6. enumerate and explain the five pillars of Louis XIV’s strong royal power.

Answer 6

• Financial resources: taxes were collected as efficiently as possible + colonial
  trade was stimulated + many tolls, excise duties were levied = all necessary but
  not yet sufficient to fund other pillars
• Strong army: construction of a fortress belt at the borders, goal: many prestige
  wars to increase the king’s prestige at home and abroad
• Well-organized corps of officials: high officials mainly recruited form the
  Bourgeoisie, a comprehensive civil service force : for the practical
  implementation of the administration, taxes,…, intendants : inspectors of
  administrators and local officials
• Mercantilist economy: Colbert : mercantilist (= focused on trade) economic
  policy, also called colbertism, goal: export must exceed import (positive trade
  balance) + increase the quantity of precious metal (capital) for France through
  state intervention.
• One state religion: Louis supports Catholicism and revokes the Edict of Nantes
  form 1598  again in one religion, goal: more unity, less division, ‘cement of
  society

Question 7

7. explain why the Palace of Versailles was more than just a building.

Answer 7

• Palace of Versailles: goal prestige = expressing the power of the Sun King

Question 8

7. explain why the Palace of Versailles was more than just a building.

Answer 8

• Palace of Versailles: goal prestige = expressing the power of the Sun King

Question 9

8. link certain activities under Louis XIV to the economic crisis in France by the end of his reign.

Answer 9

• Palace of Versailles: goal prestige = expressing the power of the Sun King
• Many, but unsuccessful wars
• Money-consuming  higher taxes, but low wages and failed harvest  people are
  rebellious

Question 10

10. give the core of the Bill (or Declaration) of Rights (1689).

Answer 10

• King is bound to a constitution  end of royal absolute power
• Separation of state powers: parliament has the legislative power and controls the state
  budget, the king and his government hold the executive power

Question 11

11. name at least three conditions for a constitutional monarchy.

Answer 11

• Power of monarch is limited by the constitution
• Elected officials or the head of the government