Government Under The Ancien Régime Flashcards
What is meant by the term absolutism?
A form of monarchy that holds supreme authority and power.
The monarch is not restricted by laws, legislation or written customs.
What is meany by the term democracy?
A form of government where the people have a say in decision-making.
There is a balence of rights and freedoms.
What is meant by the term dictatorship?
A form of government in which one person or small group (non-royal) have absolute power, usually through violence, force and fear.
What is meant by the term republic?
A form of government in which power is held by the people and there is no monarch.
What is meant by the term constitutionalism?
A set of rules by which a country is governed and determines the governments authority.
How many parlements were in France?
13
Which parlement was the most important and why?
The paris parlement because it was located in the capital city of France and was the largest.
What were intendants?
Kings right-hand men and were appointed provinces to oversee to maintain rule and feedback information to central government.
What was the Ancien Régime?
The political and social system of France before the revolution.
Was King Louis XVI an absolute monarch?
In theory yes, however in reality he did not have as much power as he’d thought.
What was a generalite?
An administrative division created in the 17th century, usually with one intendant per generalite.
There were 33 generalites by 1789.
What were pay d’etats?
The 6 areas of France that were allowed the privilige of negotiating directly with the crown about taxation.
What was the main functions of the Parlements?
Register the kings edicts and ensure they should be accepted as law.
What was a Royal Edict?
The concept that whatever the king says, is made law.
What can the Parlement do if theg disagree with the Royal Edicts?
Remonstrate to make the king reconsider his edict.
