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Sumerian city-states were typically governed by a single, absolute monarch without any religious involvement.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sumerian city-states were likely theocratic, headed by a priest-king (ensi) assisted by a council of elders, indicating significant religious involvement in governance.
Ancient Egyptian pharaohs were considered divine figures, mediating between the gods and the people.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ancient Egyptian pharaohs were regarded as divine figures, associated with Horus during life and Osiris after death, and were responsible for mediating between the gods and the populace.
Emperor Hirohito declared he was not a living god in 1946 to facilitate Japan's reorganization into a democratic nation.
Answer: True
Explanation: On January 1, 1946, Emperor Hirohito declared he was not a living god, a declaration made at the request of Douglas MacArthur to facilitate Japan's transition to a democratic nation.
Early Israel was a monarchy where kings were directly chosen by God and ruled without human intermediaries.
Answer: False
Explanation: Early Israel was a kritarchy, a system ruled by Judges who were regarded as God's representatives, dispensing His judgment, before the institution of monarchy.
The Imperial cult in ancient Rome required citizens to worship the emperor as the supreme deity of the Roman pantheon.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Imperial cult in ancient Rome identified emperors with the divinely sanctioned authority of the Roman State, acknowledging their office as divinely approved, but required them to show pious respect for traditional republican deities, not to be worshipped as the supreme deity.
The Shang dynasty in China functioned as a theocracy by declaring the ruling family as 'sons of heaven' and linking them to the chief sky god.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Shang dynasty functioned as a theocracy by declaring its ruling family as 'sons of heaven,' thereby legitimizing their authority through a direct connection to the chief sky god, Shangdi.
The Chinese sovereign's title 'Son of Heaven' historically implied a divine mandate to rule, even if it became largely ceremonial later.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historically, the Chinese sovereign's title 'Son of Heaven' implied a divine mandate to rule, a concept that legitimized their authority, even as its practical application evolved over time.
What was the nature of government in Sumerian city-states?
Answer: Probably theocratic, headed by a priest-king assisted by a council of elders.
Explanation: Sumerian city-states were probably theocratic, headed by a priest-king (ensi) who was assisted by a council of elders, indicating a blend of religious and communal leadership.
How were ancient Egyptian pharaohs regarded in their society?
Answer: As divine figures, mediating between the gods and the people.
Explanation: Ancient Egyptian pharaohs were regarded as divine figures, associated with the god Horus during their lives, and responsible for mediating between the gods and the people.
What significant declaration did Emperor Hirohito make on January 1, 1946?
Answer: He declared he was not a living god to facilitate Japan's democratization.
Explanation: On January 1, 1946, Emperor Hirohito declared he was not a living god, a declaration made to facilitate Japan's reorganization into a democratic nation.
What form of government characterized early Israel before the institution of monarchy?
Answer: A kritarchy, ruled by Judges regarded as God's representatives.
Explanation: Early Israel was characterized as a kritarchy, a system ruled by Judges who were regarded as God's representatives, tasked with dispensing divine judgment.
What was the primary purpose of the 'Imperial cult' in ancient Rome?
Answer: To identify Roman emperors with the divinely sanctioned authority of the Roman State.
Explanation: The primary purpose of the Imperial cult in ancient Rome was to identify Roman emperors and their family members with the divinely sanctioned authority (auctoritas) of the Roman State, reinforcing their legitimacy.
How did the Shang dynasty in China function as a theocracy?
Answer: By declaring the ruling family as 'sons of heaven' and linking them to the chief sky god.
Explanation: The Shang dynasty functioned as a theocracy by declaring the ruling family as 'sons of heaven' and linking them to the chief sky god, Shangdi, thereby legitimizing their rule through divine connection.
Vatican City was formally recognized as an independent state in 1929 through the Lateran Treaty with the Italian Government.
Answer: True
Explanation: Vatican City was formally created and recognized as an independent state in 1929 through the Lateran Treaty, signed with the Italian Government, resolving the 'Roman Question'.
The head of state of Vatican City, the Pope, is elected for a fixed term of ten years by the College of Cardinals.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Pope, as the head of state of Vatican City, is elected for life by the College of Cardinals, not for a fixed term of ten years.
Mount Athos is an Eastern Orthodox autonomous area in Greece where both men and women are permitted to visit freely.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mount Athos has unique restrictions, permitting only men to visit, and requiring express permission from the monks, reflecting its status as a dedicated monastic state.
The Byzantine Empire's 'Symphonia' principle meant the emperor was subordinate to ecclesiastical authorities in all matters.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Symphonia' principle in the Byzantine Empire meant the emperor was both the head of civil society and the ultimate authority over ecclesiastical authorities, not subordinate to them.
Jennifer Fretland VanVoorst argued that the Byzantine Empire became a theocracy due to the deep intertwining of Christian values with its political ideals and goals.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jennifer Fretland VanVoorst argued that the Byzantine Empire became a theocracy because Christian values and ideals formed the foundation of its political ideals and were deeply intertwined with its political goals.
The Anabaptist theocratic kingdom in Münster in the 16th century abolished money and allowed polygamy.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Anabaptist theocratic kingdom established in Münster (1533-1535) abolished money and allowed polygamy, among other radical religious reforms.
Historians universally agree that John Calvin's Geneva and Huldrych Zwingli's Zürich were clear examples of theocracies.
Answer: False
Explanation: Historians debate whether John Calvin's Geneva and Huldrych Zwingli's Zürich were true theocracies, given the political power of clerics versus calls for church-state separation.
The Massachusetts Colony from 1620 until the American Revolution was a strict theocracy where all white residents were required to belong to the Congregational Church.
Answer: True
Explanation: From 1620 until the American Revolution, Massachusetts colonies operated as strict theocracies, requiring all white residents to belong to the Congregational (Puritan) Church and tolerating no religious deviation.
Girolamo Savonarola's rule in Florence featured the burning of 'unchristian' items and made sodomy a capital offense.
Answer: True
Explanation: Girolamo Savonarola's short rule in Florence included the 'Bonfire of the Vanities' for 'unchristian' items and made sodomy a capital offense, enforcing his religious convictions through law.
Under Maurice Duplessis, Quebec's Roman Catholic Church controlled education and healthcare, and divorce was banned.
Answer: True
Explanation: Under Maurice Duplessis's premiership, Quebec exhibited attributes of a Roman Catholic theocracy, where the church controlled education and healthcare, and divorce was banned, among other influences on civil law.
The Prince-Bishopric of Montenegro was a secular principality that separated church and state.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Prince-Bishopric of Montenegro existed as a Serbian Orthodox ecclesiastical principality, where bishops ruled as Metropolitans, unifying religious and political power.
The legal system of Vatican City is exclusively based on secular Italian laws, with no influence from canon law.
Answer: False
Explanation: The legal system of Vatican City is rooted in canon law, with the Pope holding legislative, executive, and judicial powers, although some secular Italian laws are also applied.
When was Vatican City formally created and recognized as an independent state?
Answer: 1929
Explanation: Vatican City was formally created and recognized as an independent state in 1929 through the Lateran Treaty with the Italian Government.
How is the head of state of Vatican City chosen?
Answer: Elected for life by the College of Cardinals.
Explanation: The Pope, as the head of state of Vatican City, is elected for life by the College of Cardinals, an assembly of high-ranking clergy.
What is the primary legal system rooted in Vatican City?
Answer: Canon law
Explanation: The legal system of Vatican City is primarily rooted in canon law, the body of laws and regulations adopted by ecclesiastical authority for the governance of the Christian organization and its members.
What is a unique restriction for visitors to Mount Athos, according to the text?
Answer: Only men are permitted to visit, with express permission from the monks.
Explanation: A unique restriction for visitors to Mount Athos is that only men are permitted to visit, and express permission from the monks is required, with Eastern Orthodox Christians prioritized for permits.
What did the principle of 'Symphonia' in the Byzantine Empire signify?
Answer: The emperor being both the head of civil society and the ultimate authority over ecclesiastical authorities.
Explanation: The principle of 'Symphonia' in the Byzantine Empire signified that the emperor was both the head of civil society and the ultimate authority over ecclesiastical authorities, acting as God's representative on earth.
Which of the following was a characteristic of the Anabaptist theocratic kingdom established in Münster (1533-1535)?
Answer: It abolished money and allowed polygamy.
Explanation: The Anabaptist theocratic kingdom in Münster (1533-1535) was characterized by the abolition of money and the allowance of polygamy, among other radical religious practices.
What is a key point of historical debate regarding John Calvin's Geneva and Huldrych Zwingli's Zürich?
Answer: Whether they were true theocracies, given the political power of clerics versus calls for church-state separation.
Explanation: A key point of historical debate regarding John Calvin's Geneva and Huldrych Zwingli's Zürich is whether they constituted true theocracies, considering the political power of clerics alongside calls for church-state separation.
What was a defining characteristic of the Massachusetts Colony from 1620 until the American Revolution?
Answer: It operated as a strict theocracy, requiring all white residents to belong to the Congregational Church.
Explanation: From 1620 until the American Revolution, the Massachusetts Colony operated as a strict theocracy, requiring all white residents to belong to the Congregational (Puritan) Church and tolerating no religious deviation.
What was a characteristic feature of Girolamo Savonarola's rule in Florence?
Answer: The 'Bonfire of the Vanities' and making sodomy a capital offense.
Explanation: A characteristic feature of Girolamo Savonarola's rule in Florence was the 'Bonfire of the Vanities,' where 'unchristian' items were burned, and sodomy was made a capital offense.
Under Maurice Duplessis's premiership, what was a notable attribute of Quebec's Roman Catholic theocracy?
Answer: The church controlled education and healthcare, and books/films were censored.
Explanation: Under Maurice Duplessis's premiership, Quebec's Roman Catholic theocracy was notably characterized by the church's control over education and healthcare, along with censorship of books and films.
Pakistan, Mauritania, and Iran are mentioned as countries that have adopted the title of 'Islamic republic'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explicitly names Iran, Pakistan, and Mauritania as countries that have adopted the title of 'Islamic republic,' signifying a government aiming to reconcile Islamic principles with republican forms.
The Taliban's governance in Afghanistan rejected general elections because they were considered incompatible with Sharia law.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Taliban's government in Afghanistan rejected general elections, viewing them as incompatible with their interpretation of Sharia law, centralizing power around Mullah Omar.
Iran's Supreme Leader holds less power than the president and is primarily responsible for judicial appointments.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Supreme Leader of Iran holds more power than the president and appoints heads of powerful governmental positions, including military commanders, the director of the national radio and television network, and chief justice.
The Guardian Council in Iran has the authority to approve or reject candidates for the Presidency, Parliament, and the Assembly of Experts.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Guardian Council in Iran possesses the authority to reject bills passed by Parliament and to approve or reject candidates for the Presidency, Parliament, and the Assembly of Experts, ensuring alignment with Islamic principles.
Saudi Arabia is described by critics as a 'theo-monarchy' where religious minorities can openly practice their religion.
Answer: False
Explanation: Critics describe Saudi Arabia as a 'theo-monarchy' where religious minorities cannot practice their religion openly, and apostasy is punishable by death.
In Sunni Islam, a Caliph should be chosen by God from Muhammad's direct descendants.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Sunni Islam, a Caliph should be selected or elected by Muslims or their representatives, whereas Shia Islam believes an Imam (Caliph) should be chosen by God from Muhammad's direct descendants.
The image of Emperor Jahangir praying to God suggests that Mughal emperors were seen as purely secular rulers with no spiritual connection.
Answer: False
Explanation: The image of Emperor Jahangir praying to God, along with the role of Hazrat Ishaans, suggests that Mughal emperors were regarded as intermediaries between their subordinates and God, reinforcing their divine legitimacy and spiritual connection.
The Taliban's government in Afghanistan was characterized by its strong ethnic diversity and local representation in government positions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Taliban's government in Afghanistan was overwhelmingly Pashtun and reluctant to share power, with local government positions dominated by loyalists rather than diverse local representation.
Which of the following countries adopted the title 'Islamic republic' in 1956?
Answer: Pakistan
Explanation: Pakistan adopted the title 'Islamic republic' in 1956, as mentioned in the source.
How do some Muslim religious leaders in the Middle East and Africa view the concept of an Islamic republic?
Answer: As a compromise between a purely Islamic caliphate and secular nationalism and republicanism.
Explanation: Some Muslim religious leaders in the Middle East and Africa view an Islamic republic as a compromise between a purely Islamic caliphate and secular nationalism and republicanism, requiring the state's penal code to be compatible with Sharia law.
During which periods did Afghanistan function as an Islamic theocracy under the Taliban?
Answer: 1996-2001 and since 2021
Explanation: Afghanistan functioned as an Islamic theocracy under the Taliban from 1996 to 2001 and again since their reinstatement of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in 2021.
Which of the following was NOT a strict interpretation of Sharia law imposed by the Taliban in Afghanistan?
Answer: Allowing male and female participation in sport.
Explanation: The Taliban's strict interpretation of Sharia law forbade male and female participation in sport, among other bans on consumer technology, art, and recreational activities.
How was the Taliban's government in Afghanistan primarily characterized?
Answer: A 'secret society run by Kandaharis,' characterized by secrecy and dictatorial rule.
Explanation: The Taliban's government was primarily characterized as a 'secret society run by Kandaharis,' marked by secrecy and dictatorial rule, with decisions centralized around Mullah Omar.
What is the governmental structure of Iran described as in the source?
Answer: A 'theocratic republic,' blending theocratic and democratic elements.
Explanation: Iran's governmental structure is described as a 'theocratic republic,' a hybrid system blending theocratic and democratic elements, where all laws must be based on Islamic criteria.
What is the primary function of the Guardian Council in Iran's political system?
Answer: To reject bills passed by Parliament and approve/reject candidates for key political positions.
Explanation: The primary function of Iran's Guardian Council is to reject bills passed by Parliament and to approve or reject candidates for the Presidency, Parliament, and the Assembly of Experts, ensuring adherence to Islamic laws.
What is a significant criticism regarding religious freedom in Saudi Arabia, according to the text?
Answer: Religious minorities cannot practice their religion openly, and apostasy is punishable by death.
Explanation: A significant criticism regarding religious freedom in Saudi Arabia is that religious minorities cannot practice their religion openly, and conversion from Islam (apostasy) is punishable by death.
What is the key difference between Sunni and Shia branches of Islam regarding the selection of a Caliph?
Answer: Sunni believe a Caliph should be selected by Muslims or their representatives, while Shia believe an Imam should be chosen by God from Muhammad's direct descendants.
Explanation: The key difference is that Sunni Islam stipulates a Caliph should be selected by Muslims or their representatives, while Shia Islam believes an Imam should be chosen by God from Muhammad's direct descendants.
What was the role of Hazrat Ishaans in the Timurid and Mughal Empires?
Answer: They were spiritual guides and rightful spiritual successors of Muhammad, reinforcing emperors' divine legitimacy.
Explanation: Hazrat Ishaans served as spiritual guides and rightful spiritual successors of Muhammad in the Timurid and Mughal Empires, reinforcing the emperors' divine legitimacy by attributing blessings to them.
The Central Tibetan Administration's leadership structure changed in 2011 when the Dalai Lama transferred his political authority to an elected leader.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2011, the 14th Dalai Lama transferred his political authority as head of state to an elected leader, Lobsang Sangay, marking a significant shift in the Central Tibetan Administration's leadership structure.
Unified religious rule in Buddhist Tibet began in 1642 when the Fifth Dalai Lama consolidated political power with military support.
Answer: True
Explanation: Unified religious rule in Buddhist Tibet, known as the dual system of government, began in 1642 when the Fifth Dalai Lama consolidated political power with the military support of the Mongol Gushri Khan.
The Bogd Khanate period of Mongolia was a secular republic that separated religious and political power.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Bogd Khanate period of Mongolia (1911–1919) was a Buddhist theocratic khanate, unifying religious and political power under the Bogd Khaan.
The Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace was a short-lived Buddhist theocracy in Qing China.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace (1851 to 1864) was a heterodox Christian theocracy in Qing China, led by Hong Xiuquan, who claimed to be the younger brother of Jesus Christ.
The temporal aspects of LDS theodemocracy in Utah strengthened after the U.S. took control of the territory.
Answer: False
Explanation: The temporal aspects of LDS theodemocracy in Utah receded after the U.S. took control of the territory in 1848, with further federal actions contributing to this shift.
During the Achaemenid Empire, Zoroastrianism was the state religion, and Cyrus the Great strictly imposed it on all conquered territories.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Zoroastrianism was the state religion of the Achaemenid Empire, Cyrus the Great avoided imposing the faith on conquered territories, demonstrating a degree of religious tolerance.
Pitirim Sorokin identified theocratic regimes in traditional Polynesia where chiefs derived power from their military strength alone.
Answer: False
Explanation: Pitirim Sorokin identified theocratic regimes in traditional Polynesia where ruling aristocracy and chiefs derived their power from 'holiness' and were regarded as incarnated deities, not solely from military strength.
In the 18th century, the state of Travancore adopted Thrippadidanam, where the king ruled as the vice-regent of the Hindu deity Vishnu.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the 18th century, the state of Travancore adopted Thrippadidanam, a form of theocracy where King Marthanda Varma donated the country to the Hindu deity Vishnu and subsequently ruled as the deity's vice-regent.
How did the leadership structure of the Central Tibetan Administration change in 2011?
Answer: The Dalai Lama's role as head of state was removed in favor of an elected leader.
Explanation: In 2011, at the 14th Dalai Lama's suggestion, his role as head of state of the Central Tibetan Administration was removed in favor of an elected leader, Lobsang Sangay.
When did unified religious rule, known as the dual system of government, begin in Buddhist Tibet?
Answer: 1642
Explanation: Unified religious rule in Buddhist Tibet, known as the dual system of government, began in 1642 when the Fifth Dalai Lama consolidated political power with military support.
What was the nature of the Bogd Khanate period in Mongolia (1911–1919)?
Answer: A Buddhist theocratic khanate.
Explanation: The Bogd Khanate period of Mongolia (1911–1919) was a Buddhist theocratic khanate, where the 8th Bogd Gegeen was installed as the Bogd Khaan, unifying religious and political power.
Who led the heterodox Christian theocracy known as the 'Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace' in Qing China?
Answer: Hong Xiuquan
Explanation: The 'Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace' (1851 to 1864), a heterodox Christian theocracy in Qing China, was led by Hong Xiuquan, who claimed to be the younger brother of Jesus Christ.
How did Brigham Young administer the Utah region after Mormons resettled there?
Answer: Spiritually and temporally through the Melchizedek Priesthood, instituting a theodemocracy.
Explanation: Brigham Young administered the Utah region both spiritually and temporally through the Melchizedek Priesthood, instituting a theodemocracy that combined biblical theocracy with mid-19th-century American political ideals.
What was the role of Zoroastrianism in the Achaemenid Empire?
Answer: It functioned as the state religion, with kings ruling according to Zoroastrian law, though not always imposed on conquered territories.
Explanation: During the Achaemenid Empire, Zoroastrianism functioned as the state religion, with Persian kings ruling according to Zoroastrian law (asha), though Cyrus the Great avoided imposing the faith on conquered territories.
Which of the following occurred during the Sassanid period regarding Zoroastrianism?
Answer: The Zoroastrian calendar was reformed, and intolerance towards other faiths became prevalent.
Explanation: During the Sassanid period, the Zoroastrian calendar was reformed, image-use in worship was banned, Fire Temples were increasingly built, and intolerance towards other faiths became prevalent.
What form of theocracy did the state of Travancore adopt in the 18th century?
Answer: Thrippadidanam, where the king ruled as the vice-regent of the Hindu deity Vishnu.
Explanation: In the 18th century, the state of Travancore adopted Thrippadidanam, a form of theocracy where the king ruled as the vice-regent of the Hindu deity Vishnu after donating the country to the deity.