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An absolute monarchy is characterized by a sovereign whose power is limited by a constitution and a legislative body.
Answer: False
Explanation: An absolute monarchy is defined by a sovereign holding all political power without constitutional or legislative limits, directly contradicting the statement.
The United Kingdom is currently considered an absolute monarchy due to its strong monarchical traditions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch's power is restricted by a constitution and legislature, unlike an absolute monarchy.
North Korea and Ba'athist Syria are explicitly identified as absolute monarchies in the source material.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source clarifies that North Korea and Ba'athist Syria are hereditary dictatorships, which, while similar, should not be confused with absolute monarchies.
The divine right of kings was a theological concept that asserted monarchs derived their authority from the people.
Answer: False
Explanation: The divine right of kings asserted that monarchs derived their authority directly from God, not from the people.
Which of the following best defines an absolute monarchy?
Answer: A form of government where the monarch holds all political power without constitutional or legislative limits.
Explanation: An absolute monarchy is fundamentally defined by the monarch's unrestricted political power, not limited by any constitution or legislative body.
How do absolute monarchies fundamentally differ from constitutional monarchies?
Answer: Absolute monarchies grant the monarch unrestricted authority, unlike constitutional monarchies where power is limited by a constitution or legislature.
Explanation: The key distinction is that absolute monarchs possess unrestricted authority, while constitutional monarchs operate under the constraints of a constitution or legislative body.
Which theological concept served as the primary justification for absolute monarchy in much of European history?
Answer: Divine Right of Kings
Explanation: The divine right of kings was the theological doctrine asserting that monarchs derived their authority directly from God, making it the primary justification for absolute monarchy in Europe.
Louis XIV of France and Frederick the Great of Prussia are historical examples of absolute monarchs.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explicitly identifies Louis XIV of France and Frederick the Great of Prussia as historical examples of absolute monarchs.
Charles I's attempts to establish an absolutist government contributed to the English Civil War.
Answer: True
Explanation: Fears of Charles I establishing an absolutist government were a significant factor contributing to the English Civil War, especially after his 11-year rule without Parliament.
The 'King's Law' (Kongeloven) in Denmark-Norway was established in 1765 as the first written constitution for absolutism in Europe.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'King's Law' (Kongeloven) was established in Denmark-Norway in 1665, not 1765.
The King's Law of 1665 granted the monarch of Denmark-Norway authority over all human laws, except God alone.
Answer: True
Explanation: The King's Law of 1665 explicitly stated that the monarch was 'above all human laws and having no judge above his person... except God alone.'
The male line of the House of Habsburg became extinct with the death of Joseph II in 1700.
Answer: False
Explanation: The male line of the House of Habsburg became extinct with the death of Charles II of Spain in 1700, not Joseph II.
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor, was known for extending full legal freedom to serfs in 1781.
Answer: True
Explanation: Joseph II, raised during the Enlightenment, notably extended full legal freedom to serfs in 1781, demonstrating a progressive approach to governance.
Louis XIV's famous declaration 'L'État, c'est moi!' signifies his belief in shared governance with the French Parliament.
Answer: False
Explanation: Louis XIV's declaration 'L'État, c'est moi!' ('I am the State!') signifies his belief in absolute rule, concentrating all powers in his person, not shared governance.
In Brandenburg-Prussia, the monarch's emphasis on being the 'first servant of the state' was a unique characteristic of its absolute monarchy.
Answer: True
Explanation: The concept of the monarch as the 'first servant of the state' was a notable characteristic of absolute monarchy in Brandenburg-Prussia, combining absolute power with a sense of duty.
Prussia transitioned directly from a feudal monarchy to a federal semi-constitutional monarchy in 1701.
Answer: False
Explanation: Prussia transitioned from a feudal monarchy (1525-1701) to an absolute monarchy (1701-1848), and then to a federal semi-constitutional monarchy (1848-1918).
King Frederick the Great abolished torture and established the principle that the Crown would not interfere in judicial matters.
Answer: True
Explanation: King Frederick the Great, practicing enlightened absolutism, introduced a general civil code, abolished torture, and established the principle of non-interference in judicial matters by the Crown.
The Prussian education system, including advanced secondary education, was widely emulated in various countries, including the United States.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Prussian education system, particularly its advanced secondary education, served as a model and was widely emulated in various countries, including the United States.
Russian Tsars and emperors governed as absolute monarchs until 1917.
Answer: False
Explanation: Russian Tsars and emperors governed as absolute monarchs until 1905, not 1917.
Ivan IV's 'oprichnina' was a state policy that involved creating a separate territory and army to consolidate his power and suppress opposition.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ivan IV's 'oprichnina' was a state policy that created a separate territory and army, which he used to suppress opposition and consolidate his absolute power.
Peter the Great strengthened the power of the Russian nobility and decentralized bureaucracy.
Answer: False
Explanation: Peter the Great significantly reduced the power of the Russian nobility and strengthened central authority by establishing a more centralized bureaucracy.
Charles I's attempts to establish an absolutist government were a significant factor leading to which major historical event?
Answer: The English Civil War
Explanation: Fears that Charles I was attempting to establish an absolutist government were a significant contributing factor to the outbreak of the English Civil War.
When was the 'King's Law' (Kongeloven), the first written constitution for absolutism in Europe, established in Denmark-Norway?
Answer: 1665
Explanation: The 'King's Law' (Kongeloven) was established in Denmark-Norway in 1665, marking the first time absolutism was formally underpinned by a written constitution in Europe.
According to the King's Law of 1665, who was the only judge above the monarch of Denmark-Norway?
Answer: God alone
Explanation: The King's Law of 1665 explicitly stated that the monarch of Denmark-Norway had 'no judge above his person... except God alone.'
The male line of the House of Habsburg became extinct with the death of which monarch in 1700?
Answer: Charles II of Spain
Explanation: The male line of the House of Habsburg became extinct with the death of Charles II of Spain in 1700, who died childless.
What significant reform did Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor, introduce in 1781?
Answer: Extended full legal freedom to serfs
Explanation: Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor, notably extended full legal freedom to serfs in 1781 as part of his progressive governance influenced by the Enlightenment.
Louis XIV of France famously proclaimed, 'L'État, c'est moi!' which translates to:
Answer: 'I am the State!'
Explanation: Louis XIV's famous declaration 'L'État, c'est moi!' directly translates to 'I am the State!,' symbolizing his absolute authority.
What unique philosophy characterized the concept of absolute monarchy in Brandenburg-Prussia?
Answer: The monarch as the 'first servant of the state.'
Explanation: In Brandenburg-Prussia, the concept of absolute monarchy was uniquely characterized by the monarch's emphasis on being the 'first servant of the state,' combining absolute power with a duty to the realm.
What was Prussia's governmental form during the period from 1701 to 1848?
Answer: Absolute monarchy
Explanation: Prussia transitioned from a feudal monarchy to an absolute monarchy, which it remained from 1701 to 1848.
Which of the following reforms was NOT introduced by King Frederick the Great in Prussia?
Answer: Established the principle of Crown interference in judicial matters.
Explanation: King Frederick the Great established the principle that the Crown would *not* interfere in judicial matters, making 'interference' the incorrect option.
Until what year did the Tsars and emperors of Russia govern as absolute monarchs?
Answer: 1905
Explanation: Russian Tsars and emperors governed as absolute monarchs until 1905, when significant political changes began to limit their power.
What was the 'oprichnina' implemented by Ivan IV of Russia?
Answer: A state policy creating a separate territory and army to suppress opposition and consolidate power.
Explanation: The 'oprichnina' was Ivan IV's state policy involving a separate territory and army used to suppress opposition and consolidate his absolute power.
What was a key change Peter the Great brought to the Russian monarchy?
Answer: Significantly reduced the power of the Russian nobility and strengthened central authority.
Explanation: Peter the Great notably reduced the power of the Russian nobility and strengthened the central authority of the monarch through a more centralized bureaucracy.
Ottoman Sultans justified their absolute rule through heavenly mandates, often using the title 'Padishah.'
Answer: True
Explanation: Ottoman Sultans were referred to as 'Padishah' and justified their absolute rule through heavenly mandates, often using titles like 'Shadow of God on Earth.'
The Mandate of Heaven was a concept used to justify absolute power for rulers in ancient Mesopotamia.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Mandate of Heaven was the justification for absolute power in Imperial China, not ancient Mesopotamia.
The Sapa Inca of the Inca Empire was revered as the son of the moon god, granting him absolute authority.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Sapa Inca was revered as the son of Inti, the sun god, not the moon god.
The Joseon dynasty in Korea was an absolute monarchy.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Joseon dynasty in Korea, along with the subsequent Korean Empire, is identified as an absolute monarchy.
What title did the Sultan in the Ottoman Empire hold, signifying his absolute power?
Answer: Padishah
Explanation: The Sultan in the Ottoman Empire was referred to as a 'Padishah,' a title meaning 'Great King,' signifying his absolute power.
The Mandate of Heaven was the justification for absolute power in which ancient civilization?
Answer: Imperial China
Explanation: The Mandate of Heaven was the concept used to justify absolute power for emperors throughout Imperial China.
The Sapa Inca of the Inca Empire was revered as the son of which deity?
Answer: Inti, the sun god
Explanation: The Sapa Inca of the Inca Empire was revered as the son of Inti, the sun god, which granted him absolute authority.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz is the current absolute monarch of Oman.
Answer: False
Explanation: King Salman bin Abdulaziz is the absolute monarch of Saudi Arabia, while Sultan Haitham bin Tariq is the absolute monarch of Oman.
Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, and Qatar are examples of nations that have formally moved towards constitutional monarchy but where monarchs retain substantial power.
Answer: True
Explanation: These nations have formally adopted constitutional monarchies, but their monarchs continue to hold significant power, often rendering parliamentary influence negligible.
Until 2010, the King of Tonga held majority control over the Legislative Assembly.
Answer: True
Explanation: Until 2010, the King of Tonga indeed maintained majority control over the Legislative Assembly, indicating a significant concentration of power.
Liechtenstein expanded the power of its monarch in 2003 after a constitutional referendum, granting the prince extensive new powers.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2003, a constitutional referendum in Liechtenstein significantly expanded the Prince's powers, including the ability to dismiss the government and veto legislation.
The Venice Commission supported Liechtenstein's 2003 constitutional amendments, stating they aligned with European democratic standards.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Venice Commission concluded that Liechtenstein's 2003 constitutional amendments were incompatible with European standards of democracy, effectively arguing they would create a de facto absolute monarchy.
Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein threatened to abdicate if voters chose to expand his powers in the 2003 referendum.
Answer: False
Explanation: Prince Hans-Adam II threatened to leave the country and move his assets if voters chose to restrict his powers, not if they chose to expand them.
Vatican City is a unique absolute monarchy because it is also a microstate, an ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and an elective monarchy.
Answer: True
Explanation: Vatican City is indeed a unique absolute monarchy, characterized by being a microstate, an ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and an elective monarchy, with the Pope as its elected monarch.
Citizenship in Vatican City is primarily based on birthright, similar to most other states.
Answer: False
Explanation: Citizenship in Vatican City is based on 'jus officii,' tied to an appointment to work for the Holy See, rather than birthright or descent.
Saudi Arabia's Basic Law of 1992 stipulates that the King must adhere to Sharia and the Quran.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Basic Law of Saudi Arabia (1992) mandates that the King must adhere to Sharia (Islamic law) and the Quran, which are declared the Kingdom's constitution.
Saudi Arabia has held national elections for political parties since its founding.
Answer: False
Explanation: Saudi Arabia's political system does not permit political parties or national elections, and it has never held national elections since its founding.
In Oman, the Sultan is the head of state and government, and political parties are permitted under his rule.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Oman, the Sultan is indeed the head of state and government, but all political parties are banned.
Who among the following is NOT listed as a current absolute monarchy in the source material?
Answer: United Kingdom
Explanation: The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy, whereas Brunei, Eswatini, and Oman are listed as current absolute monarchies.
Which of the following figures is identified as the current absolute monarch of Saudi Arabia?
Answer: King Salman bin Abdulaziz
Explanation: King Salman bin Abdulaziz is explicitly named as the current absolute monarch of Saudi Arabia in the source material.
Which group of nations is described as having formally transitioned towards constitutional monarchy but where monarchs still retain substantial powers, making parliament's influence negligible?
Answer: Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar
Explanation: Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, and Qatar are identified as nations where monarchs retain substantial powers despite formal transitions to constitutional monarchy, rendering parliamentary influence negligible.
In 2003, Liechtenstein expanded the power of its monarch through a constitutional referendum. What did the Prince of Liechtenstein threaten if voters chose to restrict his powers?
Answer: To leave the country and move his assets out of Liechtenstein.
Explanation: Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein threatened to leave the country and move his assets if voters chose to restrict his powers in the 2003 referendum.
What makes Vatican City a unique absolute monarchy?
Answer: It is a microstate, an ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and an elective monarchy.
Explanation: Vatican City is unique as an absolute monarchy because it is also a microstate, an ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and an elective monarchy, with the Pope elected by cardinals.
How is the absolute monarch of Vatican City chosen?
Answer: By a papal conclave requiring a two-thirds supermajority vote from cardinals.
Explanation: The Pope, as the absolute monarch of Vatican City, is chosen by a papal conclave through a two-thirds supermajority vote of cardinals.
What is the basis for citizenship in Vatican City?
Answer: Appointment to work in service of the Holy See (jus officii)
Explanation: Citizenship in Vatican City is granted on the basis of 'jus officii,' meaning it is tied to an appointment to work in service of the Holy See.
According to the Basic Law of Saudi Arabia (1992), what are the legal and constitutional foundations the King must adhere to?
Answer: Sharia (Islamic law) and the Quran.
Explanation: Saudi Arabia's Basic Law of 1992 stipulates that the King must adhere to Sharia (Islamic law) and the Quran, which are declared the Kingdom's constitution.
Which statement accurately describes Saudi Arabia's political system regarding elections and parties?
Answer: It does not permit political parties or national elections.
Explanation: Saudi Arabia's political system is characterized by the absence of political parties and national elections, making it one of the most authoritarian regimes globally.
In Oman's absolute monarchy, what roles does the Sultan hold?
Answer: Head of state, head of government, supreme commander of armed forces, and prime minister.
Explanation: In Oman, the Sultan holds multiple key roles, including head of state, head of government, supreme commander of the armed forces, and prime minister, demonstrating his absolute authority.
Absolute monarchy ended in both Norway and Denmark in 1814.
Answer: False
Explanation: Absolute monarchy ended in Norway in 1814, but in Denmark, it persisted until 1848.
Charles I of Austria abdicated in 1918 due to widespread popular revolts against his rule.
Answer: False
Explanation: Charles I of Austria abdicated in 1918 as a direct consequence of Austria-Hungary's defeat in World War I, not widespread popular revolts.
Russia was the first European country to abolish absolutism in the 19th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: Russia was the last European country (excluding Vatican City) to abolish absolutism, doing so in the 20th century, much later than other European nations like the Ottoman Empire (1876).
The Romanov family's rule in Russia ended in 1918 with their execution by the Bolsheviks.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Romanov dynasty's rule concluded in 1918 with their execution by the Bolsheviks, marking the definitive end of the Russian monarchy.
The Revolutions of 1848 are also known as the 'Autumn of Monarchs.'
Answer: False
Explanation: The Revolutions of 1848 are also known as the 'Springtime of the Peoples' or 'Springtime of Nations,' not the 'Autumn of Monarchs.'
The Nepalese monarchy was abolished in 2008 following a peaceful transition to a fully democratic republic.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Nepalese monarchy was abolished in 2008 following a period of political instability, including the Maoist insurgency and the 2001 royal massacre, not a peaceful transition.
In which year did absolute monarchy end in Denmark?
Answer: 1848
Explanation: Absolute monarchy ended in Denmark in 1848, while in Norway it ended in 1814.
What was the primary reason for Charles I of Austria's abdication in 1918?
Answer: Austria-Hungary's defeat in World War I.
Explanation: Charles I of Austria's abdication on November 12, 1918, was a direct consequence of Austria-Hungary's defeat in World War I.
Which of the following empires did NOT collapse after World War I, according to the source?
Answer: British Empire
Explanation: The source states that Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Russia collapsed after World War I, but does not mention the British Empire collapsing.
The Revolutions of 1848 are also widely known by which alternative name?
Answer: The Springtime of the Peoples
Explanation: The Revolutions of 1848 are also known as the 'Springtime of the Peoples' or 'Springtime of Nations,' reflecting widespread political upheavals.
What was one of the key events that led to the abolition of the Nepalese monarchy in 2008?
Answer: The 2001 Nepalese royal massacre.
Explanation: The abolition of the Nepalese monarchy in 2008 followed a period of instability, including the 2001 Nepalese royal massacre and the Maoist insurgency.
Historian Perry Anderson argues that many European monarchs achieved significant absolute control, while Roger Mettam questions the very concept of absolutism.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source details this scholarly debate, with Perry Anderson supporting the idea of significant absolute control and Roger Mettam questioning the concept of absolutism itself.
William Bouwsma believed that the consistent financial difficulty of governments clearly indicated the unlimited nature of royal power.
Answer: False
Explanation: William Bouwsma argued that the consistent financial difficulty of governments indicated the *limits* of royal power, as monarchs struggled to access wealth and risked revolts if they attempted to generate sufficient income.
Thomas Hobbes and Charles Maurras were intellectual figures who supported the concept of absolute monarchy.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thomas Hobbes and Charles Maurras are listed among intellectual figures who supported absolute monarchy, alongside Jean Domat.
According to William Bouwsma, what clearly indicated the limits of royal power in Renaissance governments?
Answer: The consistent financial difficulty of governments and risk of revolts.
Explanation: William Bouwsma argued that the consistent financial difficulties of governments and the risk of costly revolts indicated the practical limits of royal power in Renaissance monarchies.
Which intellectual figure defended absolute monarchy as God's intended natural order in works like 'On Social Order and Absolute Monarchy'?
Answer: Jean Domat
Explanation: Jean Domat is identified as an intellectual figure who defended absolute monarchy as God's intended natural order in his work 'On Social Order and Absolute Monarchy.'