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Primogeniture is a legal system where the youngest legitimate child inherits the majority of their parent's estate, ensuring property division among all heirs.
Answer: False
Explanation: Primogeniture designates the firstborn legitimate child as the primary heir, and its purpose is to prevent the subdivision of estates, not to ensure division among all heirs.
A key argument in favor of primogeniture is its ability to prevent the subdivision of estates, thereby maintaining property integrity.
Answer: True
Explanation: A central argument for primogeniture is its effectiveness in preventing the fragmentation of estates, which helps to preserve the integrity and size of property holdings.
What is the primary purpose of primogeniture in relation to property?
Answer: To keep property, especially land or titles, undivided within a family.
Explanation: The primary purpose of primogeniture is to prevent the fragmentation of estates, thereby maintaining the integrity and unity of property, particularly land or titles, within a family.
Male-line primogeniture, also known as classical primogeniture, was a common inheritance system in European jurisdictions until the 20th century, prioritizing the firstborn son.
Answer: True
Explanation: Male-line primogeniture, or classical primogeniture, was indeed the predominant inheritance system in European contexts until the 20th century, specifically prioritizing the firstborn son.
Salic primogeniture is a variation that allows daughters to inherit the throne only if there are no male-line offspring.
Answer: False
Explanation: Salic primogeniture completely excludes females from succession, whereas the description provided aligns with agnatic-cognatic primogeniture, also known as semi-Salic law.
Absolute primogeniture determines inheritance based on the oldest surviving child, regardless of gender, prioritizing birth order.
Answer: True
Explanation: Absolute primogeniture is indeed characterized by the inheritance of the oldest surviving child, irrespective of gender, with birth order being the sole determinant.
Agnatic primogeniture completely excludes females and their descendants from succession, a principle also known as the application of the Salic law.
Answer: True
Explanation: Agnatic primogeniture is characterized by the complete exclusion of females and their descendants from succession, a principle that is indeed also referred to as the application of the Salic law.
Agnatic-cognatic primogeniture, or semi-Salic law, allows women to succeed to the throne only after all male descendants in the male line have become extinct.
Answer: True
Explanation: Agnatic-cognatic primogeniture, or semi-Salic law, is precisely defined as a system where women can succeed to the throne only after the extinction of all male descendants in the male line.
Under male-preference primogeniture, a daughter can only succeed if she has no living brothers and no deceased brothers who left surviving legitimate descendants.
Answer: True
Explanation: Male-preference primogeniture dictates that a daughter can only succeed to the throne if there are no living brothers and no deceased brothers who left surviving legitimate descendants, ensuring male-line precedence.
Matrilineal primogeniture is a form of succession where the eldest male child inherits the throne through the mother's line.
Answer: False
Explanation: Matrilineal primogeniture is a system where the eldest female child inherits the throne, to the exclusion of males, not the eldest male child through the mother's line.
Salic law developed in France to exclude females from inheriting the crown, playing a role in disputes like the Hundred Years' War.
Answer: True
Explanation: Salic law developed in France specifically to exclude females from royal succession, and its application was a significant factor in succession disputes, including those that contributed to the Hundred Years' War.
Which form of primogeniture was most common in historical European contexts until the 20th century?
Answer: Male-line primogeniture
Explanation: Male-line primogeniture, also known as classical primogeniture, was the most common form of inheritance in historical European contexts until the 20th century, prioritizing the firstborn son.
How does Salic primogeniture differ from male-preference primogeniture?
Answer: Salic primogeniture completely excludes females from succession, whereas male-preference allows females to inherit in the absence of male-line offspring.
Explanation: Salic primogeniture is characterized by the complete exclusion of females from succession, while male-preference primogeniture allows females to inherit, but only in the absence of male-line offspring.
What is the defining characteristic of absolute primogeniture?
Answer: The oldest surviving child inherits, regardless of gender.
Explanation: The defining characteristic of absolute primogeniture is that the oldest surviving child inherits the throne, irrespective of their gender, with birth order being the sole determinant.
Agnatic primogeniture is also known by what other term?
Answer: Patrilineal primogeniture
Explanation: Agnatic primogeniture, which completely excludes females from succession, is also known as patrilineal primogeniture.
Under male-preference primogeniture, when can a female member of a dynasty succeed to the throne?
Answer: Only if she has no living brothers and no deceased brothers who left surviving legitimate descendants.
Explanation: Under male-preference primogeniture, a female member of a dynasty can succeed to the throne only if there are no living brothers and no deceased brothers who left surviving legitimate descendants, ensuring male-line precedence.
What is the defining characteristic of matrilineal primogeniture?
Answer: The eldest female child inherits, to the exclusion of males.
Explanation: Matrilineal primogeniture is defined as a system where the eldest female child inherits the throne, to the exclusion of male heirs.
Which historical conflict was significantly influenced by the application of Salic law in France?
Answer: The Hundred Years' War
Explanation: The application of Salic law in France, which excluded females from inheriting the crown, played a significant role in succession disputes that contributed to the Hundred Years' War.
Semi-Salic law was historically practiced in Bourbon Spain until 1833 and in Russia under the Pauline Laws of 1797.
Answer: True
Explanation: Semi-Salic law was indeed historically practiced in Bourbon Spain until 1833 and in Russia under the Pauline Laws of 1797, among other European realms.
In England, hereditary titles traditionally followed Salic law, completely excluding female succession.
Answer: False
Explanation: In England, hereditary titles traditionally followed male-preference primogeniture, not Salic law, meaning daughters were considered equal co-heirs if no male heirs existed, often leading to titles going into abeyance, unlike Scotland where the eldest sister could automatically inherit.
Razia Sultana was a unique example of a queen who succeeded her father despite having living brothers, reigning over the Delhi Sultanate.
Answer: True
Explanation: Razia Sultana is indeed noted as a rare historical instance of a queen who ascended to the throne of the Delhi Sultanate despite the presence of living brothers, demonstrating an unusual deviation from typical male-preference succession norms of her era.
The Catholic Church's prohibition of polygamy in Christian Europe made it more challenging to ensure male succession compared to Islamic and Asian cultures that sanctioned polygyny.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Catholic Church's prohibition of polygamy in Christian Europe indeed made it more challenging to ensure male succession, as compared to Islamic and Asian cultures where polygyny was sanctioned, allowing for more male offspring.
The biblical account of Esau and Jacob demonstrates the concept of a firstborn's special inheritance, known as 'bekhorah'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The biblical narrative of Esau and Jacob serves as an early illustration of the concept of a firstborn's special inheritance, referred to as 'bekhorah'.
Roman law strongly favored primogeniture, always prioritizing the eldest son for inheritance, especially for imperial succession.
Answer: False
Explanation: Roman law, for those who died intestate, did not distinguish between oldest or youngest, male or female, and imperial succession often involved chosen or adopted heirs rather than strict primogeniture.
The reemergence of primogeniture in Medieval Europe was primarily driven by the need to fragment feudal estates to distribute wealth more broadly.
Answer: False
Explanation: The reemergence of primogeniture in Medieval Europe was primarily driven by the need to keep feudal estates large and united, preventing fragmentation and maintaining the power and social standing of noble families.
Adam Smith argued that primogeniture arose because land was seen as a source of power and protection, which would be diminished by subdivision.
Answer: True
Explanation: Adam Smith indeed posited that primogeniture emerged because land was viewed as a source of power and protection, which would be compromised and diminished through subdivision.
The Carlist conflicts in Spain were civil wars fought over the succession to the crown, specifically between male-line and female-line heirs.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Carlist conflicts in Spain were indeed civil wars centered on the succession to the crown, specifically involving disputes between male-line and female-line heirs, highlighting the impact of Salic law.
The crowns of Hanover and Great Britain separated in 1837 because Great Britain adopted Salic law, while Hanover retained male-preference primogeniture.
Answer: False
Explanation: The crowns of Hanover and Great Britain separated in 1837 because Hanover had semi-Salic law, which prevented Queen Victoria from inheriting its crown, while Great Britain followed male-preference primogeniture.
In medieval inheritance cases, proximity of blood consistently won legal cases over primogeniture, establishing it as the dominant rule.
Answer: False
Explanation: While early medieval decisions could be expedient, primogeniture increasingly prevailed over proximity of blood in legal cases in later centuries, becoming the dominant rule.
The Scottish succession dispute between the Bruce and Balliol families was initially decided in favor of primogeniture for Balliol by Edward I of England.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the Scottish succession dispute of 1290–1292, Edward I of England, acting as arbiter, initially ruled in favor of the Balliol family based on the principle of primogeniture.
The Statute of Wills, passed in 1540 in England, allowed landowners to control real estate through a will, though primogeniture remained the default in its absence.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Statute of Wills, enacted in 1540 in England, indeed granted landowners the power to 'devise' real estate through a will, thereby increasing their control over inheritance, while primogeniture remained the default rule in the absence of explicit testamentary instructions.
The default rule of primogeniture for land inheritance in England and Wales was abolished by the Administration of Estates Act 1925.
Answer: True
Explanation: The default application of primogeniture for land inheritance in England and Wales was indeed changed by the Administration of Estates Act 1925, marking a significant reform in inheritance laws.
Primogeniture laws in British North America were repealed at the time of the American Revolution, and in Canada, they were repealed in 1851.
Answer: True
Explanation: Primogeniture laws in British North America were indeed repealed during the American Revolution, and Canada followed suit with its repeal in 1851.
Which of the following countries historically practiced semi-Salic law?
Answer: Russia under the Pauline Laws of 1797
Explanation: Russia, under the Pauline Laws of 1797, is listed as a country that historically practiced semi-Salic law.
How did hereditary titles in Scotland traditionally differ from those in England regarding female succession?
Answer: In Scotland, the eldest sister could automatically receive titles if the male line became extinct, unlike in England where titles often went into abeyance.
Explanation: In Scotland, hereditary titles traditionally followed male-preference primogeniture, allowing the eldest sister to automatically inherit if the male line became extinct. In contrast, in England, titles often went into abeyance if there was more than one surviving sister, as daughters were considered equal co-heirs.
Who was Razia Sultana?
Answer: A queen of the Delhi Sultanate who succeeded her father despite having living brothers.
Explanation: Razia Sultana was a queen of the Delhi Sultanate who uniquely succeeded her father despite the presence of living brothers, a deviation from typical succession norms of her era.
What biblical case demonstrates a woman's right to inherit property in the absence of a male heir?
Answer: The case of the Daughters of Zelophehad.
Explanation: The biblical case of the Daughters of Zelophehad, recorded in Numbers 27, provides a precedent for a woman's right to inherit property when there is no male heir.
How did Roman law generally approach inheritance for those who died intestate?
Answer: It did not distinguish between oldest or youngest, male or female.
Explanation: Roman law, for individuals who died intestate, generally did not differentiate between the oldest or youngest, male or female, for inheritance purposes.
What was the primary reason for the reemergence of primogeniture in Medieval Europe?
Answer: To keep land-owning feudal estates large and united for stability and power.
Explanation: The reemergence of primogeniture in Medieval Europe was primarily driven by the necessity to maintain large and unified land-owning feudal estates, which was crucial for social stability, wealth, and power.
According to Adam Smith, why did primogeniture arise in Europe?
Answer: Because land was seen as a source of power and protection that would be ruined by division.
Explanation: Adam Smith argued that primogeniture arose in Europe because land was perceived as a source of power and protection, which would be diminished and ruined by subdivision.
Why did the crowns of Hanover and Great Britain separate in 1837?
Answer: Hanover had semi-Salic law, preventing Queen Victoria from inheriting its crown.
Explanation: The crowns of Hanover and Great Britain separated in 1837 because Hanover's semi-Salic law prevented Queen Victoria from inheriting its crown, unlike the male-preference primogeniture in Great Britain.
What was the outcome of the Scottish succession dispute between the Bruce and Balliol families, as initially decided by Edward I of England?
Answer: Edward I decided in favor of the Balliol family based on primogeniture.
Explanation: In the Scottish succession dispute, Edward I of England, acting as arbiter, initially decided in favor of the Balliol family, basing his decision on the principle of primogeniture.
What was the significance of the Statute of Wills passed in England in 1540?
Answer: It allowed landowners to 'devise' real estate through a will, giving them more control over inheritance.
Explanation: The Statute of Wills, passed in England in 1540, was significant because it empowered landowners to 'devise' real estate through a will, thereby granting them greater control over the inheritance of their land.
When was the default rule of primogeniture for land inheritance in England and Wales finally changed?
Answer: 1925
Explanation: The default rule of primogeniture for land inheritance in England and Wales was finally changed by the Administration of Estates Act 1925.
When were primogeniture laws repealed in Canada?
Answer: 1851
Explanation: Primogeniture laws in Canada were repealed in 1851, following the earlier repeal in British North America during the American Revolution.
The United Kingdom, along with Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden, has eliminated male preference in their royal succession laws.
Answer: True
Explanation: Most European monarchies, including the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden, have indeed transitioned to absolute primogeniture, thereby eliminating male preference in their royal succession laws.
Liechtenstein and Monaco are the only European monarchies that still retain agnatic primogeniture, completely excluding females.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Liechtenstein retains agnatic primogeniture, Monaco practices male-preference primogeniture, which allows females to inherit in the absence of male-line heirs, unlike agnatic primogeniture which completely excludes them.
The Netherlands was the first monarchy to implement absolute primogeniture in 1980.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sweden was the first monarchy to implement absolute primogeniture in 1980, with the Netherlands following in 1983.
The Perth Agreement, which came into effect in 2015, legislated changes to absolute primogeniture for the Commonwealth realms, ensuring the eldest legitimate child inherits regardless of sex.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Perth Agreement, effective March 26, 2015, indeed legislated changes to succession laws for the Commonwealth realms, ensuring that the eldest legitimate child inherits the crown regardless of sex, thereby adopting absolute primogeniture.
The debate over absolute primogeniture in Japan was suspended after the birth of Princess Aiko.
Answer: False
Explanation: The debate over absolute primogeniture in Japan was suspended after the birth of Prince Hisahito, not Princess Aiko, as he became next in line under existing male-preference rules.
The United Kingdom transitioned to absolute primogeniture with the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, effective in 2015.
Answer: True
Explanation: The United Kingdom's transition to absolute primogeniture was indeed legislated by the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, which became effective on March 26, 2015.
Male-preference primogeniture is currently practiced for royal succession only in Spain.
Answer: False
Explanation: Male-preference primogeniture is currently practiced for royal succession in both Spain and Monaco, not solely in Spain.
King Juan Carlos I of Spain decreed a reform in 2006 that changed the succession to noble titles from absolute primogeniture to male-preference primogeniture.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2006, King Juan Carlos I of Spain decreed a reform that changed the succession to noble titles from male-preference primogeniture to absolute primogeniture, establishing equal rights for men and women.
The 'Downton law/bill' was a UK bill aimed at reforming hereditary peerage inheritance to absolute primogeniture, but it was rejected by a Lords' Committee.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Downton law/bill' was indeed a UK bill that sought to reform hereditary peerage inheritance to absolute primogeniture, but it was ultimately rejected by a Lords' Committee.
Which of the following European monarchies still retains male preference or agnatic primogeniture in their succession laws?
Answer: Spain
Explanation: Among the options provided, Spain is one of the European monarchies that still practices male-preference primogeniture for royal succession.
Which country was the first monarchy to implement absolute primogeniture?
Answer: Sweden
Explanation: Sweden was the first monarchy to implement absolute primogeniture in 1980, followed by other European nations.
When did the Perth Agreement, which legislated changes to absolute primogeniture for Commonwealth realms, come into effect?
Answer: 2015
Explanation: The Perth Agreement, which legislated changes to absolute primogeniture for Commonwealth realms, officially came into effect on March 26, 2015.
What was the outcome of the debate over absolute primogeniture in Japan after the birth of Prince Hisahito?
Answer: The debate was suspended as Prince Hisahito became next in line under existing rules.
Explanation: The birth of Prince Hisahito in 2006 suspended the debate over absolute primogeniture in Japan, as he became next in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne under the existing male-preference rules.
When did the United Kingdom transition from male-preference primogeniture to absolute primogeniture?
Answer: 2015
Explanation: The United Kingdom transitioned from male-preference primogeniture to absolute primogeniture in 2015, with the Succession to the Crown Act 2013 becoming effective.
Which two monarchies currently practice male-preference primogeniture for royal succession?
Answer: Monaco and Spain
Explanation: Monaco and Spain are the two monarchies that currently practice male-preference primogeniture for royal succession.
What reform did King Juan Carlos I of Spain decree in 2006 regarding noble titles?
Answer: He changed succession from male-preference primogeniture to absolute primogeniture.
Explanation: In 2006, King Juan Carlos I of Spain decreed a reform that changed the succession to noble titles from male-preference primogeniture to absolute primogeniture, ensuring equal rights for men and women.
What was the 'Downton law/bill' in the United Kingdom?
Answer: A bill that aimed to reform hereditary peerage inheritance to absolute primogeniture but was rejected.
Explanation: The 'Downton law/bill' was a UK bill introduced in 2013 that aimed to reform hereditary peerage inheritance to absolute primogeniture, but it was ultimately rejected by a Lords' Committee.
English primogeniture primarily aimed to divide estates equally among all surviving children, regardless of gender.
Answer: False
Explanation: English primogeniture primarily aimed to keep estates undivided and often disinherited real property from female relations, not to divide them equally among all children.
Authoritarian regimes relying on primogeniture for succession tend to be less stable due to increased competition among potential claimants.
Answer: False
Explanation: Research indicates that authoritarian regimes employing primogeniture tend to be more stable, as clear succession rules reduce the number of potential claimants and thus decrease the likelihood of coups or regicide.
In Europe, younger sons of the nobility often sought careers in the Church, military, or government due to their limited prospects of inheriting property under primogeniture.
Answer: True
Explanation: It is accurate that in Europe, younger sons of the nobility frequently pursued careers in the Church, military, or government, as primogeniture limited their opportunities for inheriting significant property.
Alexis de Tocqueville believed that the abolition of primogeniture and entail would slow down the division of land and strengthen the landed aristocracy.
Answer: False
Explanation: Alexis de Tocqueville argued that the abolition of primogeniture and entail would lead to a faster division of land and hasten the decline of the landed aristocracy, not strengthen it.
What was a primary effect of English primogeniture on real property?
Answer: It aimed to keep estates undivided and disinherit real property from female relations.
Explanation: A primary effect of English primogeniture was to maintain the integrity of estates by keeping them undivided and to disinherit real property from female relations, ensuring male-line continuity.
According to research, what is the relationship between primogeniture and political stability in authoritarian regimes?
Answer: Primogeniture tends to increase stability by reducing potential claimants and coups.
Explanation: Research suggests that primogeniture tends to increase stability in authoritarian regimes by reducing the number of potential claimants to power, thereby decreasing the likelihood of coups.
According to the source, what was a common career path for younger sons of European nobility who had no prospect of inheriting property?
Answer: Seeking careers in the Church, military, or government.
Explanation: Due to primogeniture, younger sons of European nobility often pursued careers in the Church, military, or government, as they had limited prospects of inheriting property.
According to Alexis de Tocqueville, what was a consequence of abolishing primogeniture and entail?
Answer: It led to a faster division of land and hastened the shift towards democracy.
Explanation: Alexis de Tocqueville argued that the abolition of primogeniture and entail resulted in a faster division of land and accelerated the societal shift towards democracy.
The Mongol Empire and the early Kingdom of Scotland (via Tanistry) are historical examples of monarchies that used forms of lateral agnatic seniority instead of primogeniture.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Mongol Empire and the early Kingdom of Scotland (through Tanistry) are indeed cited as historical examples of monarchies that employed forms of lateral agnatic seniority, which differs from primogeniture.
An elective monarchy is a system where monarchs are chosen by election, with a strong element of heredity influencing the selection.
Answer: False
Explanation: An elective monarchy is defined by the selection of monarchs through election, explicitly without any element of heredity influencing the succession laws.
The Rain Queen of the Balobedu nation is a historical example of matrilineal primogeniture, though the most recent succession saw a male installed as Rain King.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Rain Queen of the Balobedu nation has traditionally been an example of matrilineal primogeniture, and it is accurate that the most recent succession involved the installation of a male Rain King.
Marumakkathayam was a system of inheritance in Kerala, India, where descent and property passed from the father to his sons.
Answer: False
Explanation: Marumakkathayam was an inheritance system in Kerala, India, where descent and property passed from the maternal uncle to nephews or nieces, not from the father to his sons.
Consortium or coregency is a historical method where women could share power, often without displacing direct male line descendants, as seen in the Ptolemaic Dynasty.
Answer: True
Explanation: Consortium or coregency is an ancient method that allowed women to share power, often alongside male rulers, without necessarily displacing direct male-line descendants, as exemplified by the Ptolemaic Dynasty in Egypt.
Which historical entity is NOT listed as having used a form of lateral agnatic seniority instead of primogeniture?
Answer: The Holy Roman Empire
Explanation: The source lists the Mongol Empire and the early Kingdom of Scotland as examples of entities that used forms of lateral agnatic seniority. The Holy Roman Empire is not listed in this context; it was an elective monarchy.
What defines an elective monarchy?
Answer: Monarchs are chosen by election with no element of heredity in succession laws.
Explanation: An elective monarchy is characterized by monarchs being chosen through election, with no inherent hereditary element in their succession laws.
Which historical inheritance custom in Kerala, southern India, involved descent and property passing from the maternal uncle to nephews or nieces?
Answer: Marumakkathayam
Explanation: Marumakkathayam was a historical inheritance custom practiced in Kerala, southern India, where descent and property passed from the maternal uncle to nephews or nieces.