Absolutism and Democracy DBQ

Document 1 (Machiavelli) Question: According to Machiavelli, what type of ruler must the prince be? Why is it necessary for him to rule in this manner? Answer: Rulers need to be strict and to be feared because people in general are untrustworthy. People should fear rather than love their ruler in order to maintain control

Document 2 (King James I) Question: What type of government does King James describe? Why does he believe it should be organized in this way? Answer: Absolute Monarchy. King James I believes in the divine right to rule of kings. He feels he is God’s representative on Earth, and there are no limitations to his power.

Document 3 (King Louis XIV) Question: What type of government does King Louis describe? Why does he recommend this type of government? Answer: Absolute Monarchy. He recommends this because it is easier for 1 person to rule and make decisions. It is in the best interest of the state for the king to have all the power.

Document 4 (Voltaire) Question: What type of government does Voltaire recommend? What specific freedom does he feel is essential? Answer: Democracy. Freedom of Speech is essential.

Document 5 (Locke) Question: Why is government established, according to Locke? What type of government does Locke describe? Under what circumstances can the people revolt? Answer: Governments are established to protect people’s natural rights(life, liberty, property). He describes a Democracy. People can revolt if the government is taking away/not protecting their natural rights.

Document 6 (Montesquieu) Question: What type of government does Montesquieu describe? Why does he believe it should be organized in this way? Answer: Democracy. He stresses the importance of dividing power so that no one branch or person has all the power(absolute monarchy). He created the idea of “checks and balances” and branches of government.

Final Question What form of government was most effective—democracy or absolutism—for the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Europe? Must use at least 3 documents Paragraph form You may incorporate outside information

Thesis Writing Your argument/answer to the question Must be clear, concise, and well written Write your thesis now-be prepared to share

Outline Writing Introduction Body Paragraph One Body Paragraph Two Attention grabber Background Information Thesis Body Paragraph One Topic Sentence Documents? Body Paragraph Two Body Paragraph Three Conclusion Restate thesis